Risks of second caesarean studied (BBC News 19/10/04)

A study is being carried out to help women who have given birth by caesarean decide how to give birth the next time. The DiAMOND study - Decision Aids for Mode of Next Delivery - will question 600 pregnant mothers in Bristol, Somerset and Dundee. Researchers have developed two different methods of giving women information on the risks and benefits of natural and repeat caesarean. They will be compared to women who are given standard information. The joint Bristol and Dundee University study will measure if the new methods either prompt women to take a second caesarean or opt for natural birth.

Caesareans: a 'clarification' from NICE

According to an article in the Guardian of 22/08/04, pregnant women will have the right to a caesarean birth on the NHS even if there is no medical reason for it, say government experts who have backtracked from plans to restrict the operations.
The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) has issued a clarification of a recommendation it sent out earlier this year, which was aimed at curbing the soaring rates of caesareans. It told patients' groups that a woman's decision should be respected, even if two doctors disagree with her request for a caesarean.