Is a Maternal Request C-Section Like Cosmetic Surgery??

No, no, no, no a thousand times over. An elective c-section is not like cosmetic surgery and claiming that it is serves no purpose other than to denigrate those who would choose it for the delivery of their child and validate delisting (not being covered under public health insurance) much as Ontario is currently considering doing (see last post).

A pregnant woman MUST deliver her child. There is a legitimate NEED for delivery to occur, and delivery can only occur one of two ways: vaginally or surgically by way of c-section. For most conditions, the patient has a right to choose what treatment they will pursue to address that condition. Generally speaking, not all courses of treatment are covered under medicare but of those that are, the patient should have a right to choose among them. Delivery by way of c-section at term is an effective and proven method of giving birth that is generally considered safe for both mothers and children with risks and benefits that are different from vaginal birth.

Now a woman who is not pregnant that asks for a c-section (absent mental health problems) - THAT is directly comparable to "cosmetic surgery" and shouldn't be covered by the public purse.

Ontario Considers Covering Cesareans Only When "Medically Neccessary"

I am astounded and dumbfounded at news that the Ontario Ministry of
Health is considering delisting (not paying for) cesarean sections that are not "medically neccessary". It is a move that is at best short sighted, and at worst a blatent violation of pregnant women's charter rights.

Given that fewer than 1-2 percent of all women request a c-section to deliver their child and that the cost difference between planned vaginal delivery and planned cesarean delivery is debatable in the long run - this moves seems mean spirited. Putting women who do not want a vaginal delivery through a vaginal delivery is not quality care. It often has very tragic consequences, including PTSD and PPD.

I would strongly encourage the Ontario Ministry of Health to find other areas to curb costs - particularly as in Canada there is no private option to give birth.