Surgical births cause for concern Commentary by Marlanne Brorup-Weston One in four women in Canada and the U.S. will give birth via surgery this year, and consumers and professionals alike are rais- ing serious concerns about it. Twenty years ago, one in 20, or five percent, of women had cesareans to deliver their newborns, Cesarean section is an operation whereby the fetus is removed surgically from the mother’s womb. The medical risks of -this procedure are greater than a vaginal delivery -but when the baby’s or mother’s life is in danger, cesarean section has proved itself to be a lifesay- ing technique. The problem is that today ex- perts agree that more cesareans are done than should be (most would want the rate to drop to ten percent or less), with no im- provement in outcome to baby or mother. In fact, in some countries where the cesarean rate is substantially lower than in North America — Ireland,. Sweden, and Holland — perinatal and maternal out- comes are better than ours. Medical experts. cite many reasons for the alarming rise in surgical birth. Fear of malpractice is com-- mon and real in the U.S., anda greater reliance on technology (fetal monitoring, for example) and less education in managing long and difficult labors without surgical or active medical management techniques all con- tribute to the rise. So, say some, do the extra dollars it costs to perform a cesarean, especially in light of scheduled ‘‘repeat’’ cesareans. which are less time- consuming and more convenient to hospital staff and services. However, this is a disputed area and most .would agree that cesareans are done mainly as an earnest attempt at providing the “*best”’ medical care. But what is ‘‘best’’ for childbearing women? Medical research strongly supports that “once a cesarean, always a cesarean’’ may not be in the best interests of baby or mother after all. This would include most women who were sectioned for pelvic disproportion (baby’s head too large for mother's pelvis), breech, fetal distress and failure to progress in labor. Also, women who had cesareans for herpes, toxemia of pregnan- cy and radical cone. biopsy are usually good candidates for a normal birth if their condition does not occur again. In short this means that our repeat cesarean section rate, which is over 90 percent, can easily be reduced to under 50 percent, Of these women three out of four will have a natural delivery. However, change is slow in coming and most parents remain uninformed about vaginal birth after cesarean continued on page 16 a Terrace Review — Wednesday, May 25, 1988 7 ly The 7th Terrace Beavers and Cubs recently got a look at the inside of the local RCMP station on Eby St. Part of the tour, conducted by Cst. Jeff Minch, was a visit to the high-tech telecommunications and records room. The radio operator is civilian member Eleanor Sauer. Women’s Resource Centre © —to hold AGM tomorrow | by Mary Bowering The Terrace Women’s Resource Centre Society will be holding their 1988 Annual General Meeting on Thursday, May 26 at 7 p.m. All women are encouraged to attend to offer suggestions and/or constructive criticisms — or to see what’s happening. Support the Centre by attending this meeting, by buying a membership, or by being on the new Board of Directors. The Women’s Centre is a resource in the community — an oppor- tunity for women who choose to work collectively with other women to promote social change. It is a place to celebrate women’s thoughts, opinions and talents. . Lifestyle stresses in the world today affect everyone, old and young, female and male. These stresses — for example, economic hardships and insecurities — result in patterns of oppressive’ behavior of all kinds that repeat themselves and prevent us from respecting one another. Women have a unique understanding and sisterly support of problems and concerns facing women. The Women’s Centre offers a strengthening of this understanding and support. By clarifying our objectives (both personal and social), and defining the action to be taken, we make the first necessary step to change. Attend the Annual General Meeting and become involved. We can learn from and accept our differences as well as take inspiration from our commonalities, For futher information call 638-0994, The Terrace Youth Centre’s hours are: Mondays: 7 to 9 p.m. for ages 10 to 12; Wednesdays: Special Program Night from 7 to 10 p.m. for ages 10 to 19 years; Fridays: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. ages 13 to 19 years. All teens are welcome to participate in the Centre’s activities and programs at no cost, unless otherwise specified. Ter- race Youth Centre is located at 4634 Walsh Avenue. Every Monday evening it's Cribbage Night at Ter- raceview Lodge from 7 to 9 p.m. Everyone In the com- munity is invited to drop In and catch the action. - DANCE REVUE “88” The 13th annual performance by the Vicki Parviainen Dance Students Friday, May 27 at 8 p.m. at the R.E.M. Lee Theatre Proceeds go to the R.E.M. Lee Theatre Alive Society Tickets are available from the Dance Students, Sight and Sound and by phoning 635-7455 Adults - $5.00 Children under 12 and Senior Citizens - $3,00 Come and enjoy a very entertaining evening 5/25¢ for the entire family! WE NEED A UNIVERSITY TO SERVE THE NORTH! The opportunity is ... fight now! The Interior University Society is driving forward to get a “yes” decision from Victoria. The Socie- ‘= 7% ty can do it with your help! @ All you have to do is get a Support m: Petition. It will cost you $5.00 but Ry Victoria knows if you'll pay for a pe- Yi, tition, you mean it! . . . and you'll ia’ help the Society in the cost of this campaign throughout the northern communities of our province. Mail to: 2666 S. Queensway Prince George, B.C. . V2L. 1N2 eC7y_—_— a me INTERIOR UNIVERSITY SOCIETY STATEMENT OF SUPPORT - My cantributlon to tho Isttorior University Soclaty is my commilment of suppori for the eslablishment of a university In Prince George. 1 bolleve thal this is necessary 10 engure equal opporiunity through equal access for students in the Inlazior, . * 1bollave thal the fulure of our tawns and cities will also be strangthoned by this tun- damental imarovement and | request thal our Provinclal Government approve such an Institution. . RECEIVED FROM MAIMRSJMS. nasr aur - OIVEN NAMES ADORESS cry FOSTAL CODE TELEMIQNE — I declare to ba 19 years of ago or over, and a rasident Supporter $5.9] ot Oritish Columbia. i. fe andlavesieen NON-VOTING 196. 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