❓ A parliamentary question seeks data on Caesarean sections in WA public hospitals, their risks/benefits, related policies, and impact on medical negligence lawsuits. The response provides data, outlines risks/benefits, clarifies the absence of specific policies, and denies a direct impact on lawsuits.
AnsweredQoN 594Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
(1) How many Caesarean sections were performed in State Government hospitals in each of the past five years?
(2) What are the risks and benefits of Caesarean sections to the mother and baby?
(3) Do State Government hospitals maintain policies concerning the circumstances under which a Caesarean section will be performed?
(4) What has been the impact of Caesarean sections on the number of legal actions brought against doctors in the public health system for negligence?
(2) What are the risks and benefits of Caesarean sections to the mother and baby?
(3) Do State Government hospitals maintain policies concerning the circumstances under which a Caesarean section will be performed?
(4) What has been the impact of Caesarean sections on the number of legal actions brought against doctors in the public health system for negligence?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
4 April 2006
Responded by
Minister for Health
Response time
27 days
2002 - 3563 2003 - 3597 2004 - 3870 2005 - 4089 (2) Mother: obstetric benefits depend on the past obstetric history and the complications in the current pregnancy. Reduction in the risk of bladder and bowel incontinence. Risks: anaesthetic risk of epidural or general anaesthetic, risks of surgery which include infection, bleeding, thromboembolism, damage to bowel and bladder and recurrent risks of surgery in the next pregnancy. In addition, there is a small risk of placenta accreta in subsequent pregnancies. Overall, maternal mortality at Caesarean section is approximately twice that of vaginal delivery. Maternal mortality in Australia from 1997 - 1999 was 8.2 per 100,000. Baby benefit: Caesarean section in certain circumstances can prevent fetal damage or death, e.g. in the case of a very large baby of a diabetic mother, previous infant with difficulty delivering the shoulders, breech presentation, in twin pregnancy with twin one presenting as a breech or transverse lie. If the fetus is compromised in utero and showing signs of distress, it will benefit from circumventing the labour process, e.g. in pre-eclampsia when the blood supply to the placenta is compromised. Fetal risk: Caesarean section results in prematurity with an incidence of breathing problems which may require admission to a neonatal nursery. Fetal trauma including bruising, broken bones if the extraction of the fetus from the uterus is difficult. Rarely, the scalpel during incision of the uterus may cut the fetus. (3) No. The decision regarding mode of delivery is made taking into account the circumstances of each individual woman and baby. (4) There is no direct impact of caesarean sections on the number of legal actions brought against doctors for medical negligence.
2003 - 3597 2004 - 3870 2005 - 4089 (2) Mother: obstetric benefits depend on the past obstetric history and the complications in the current pregnancy. Reduction in the risk of bladder and bowel incontinence. Risks: anaesthetic risk of epidural or general anaesthetic, risks of surgery which include infection, bleeding, thromboembolism, damage to bowel and bladder and recurrent risks of surgery in the next pregnancy. In addition, there is a small risk of placenta accreta in subsequent pregnancies. Overall, maternal mortality at Caesarean section is approximately twice that of vaginal delivery. Maternal mortality in Australia from 1997 - 1999 was 8.2 per 100,000. Baby benefit: Caesarean section in certain circumstances can prevent fetal damage or death, e.g. in the case of a very large baby of a diabetic mother, previous infant with difficulty delivering the shoulders, breech presentation, in twin pregnancy with twin one presenting as a breech or transverse lie. If the fetus is compromised in utero and showing signs of distress, it will benefit from circumventing the labour process, e.g. in pre-eclampsia when the blood supply to the placenta is compromised. Fetal risk: Caesarean section results in prematurity with an incidence of breathing problems which may require admission to a neonatal nursery. Fetal trauma including bruising, broken bones if the extraction of the fetus from the uterus is difficult. Rarely, the scalpel during incision of the uterus may cut the fetus. (3) No. The decision regarding mode of delivery is made taking into account the circumstances of each individual woman and baby. (4) There is no direct impact of caesarean sections on the number of legal actions brought against doctors for medical negligence.
2004 - 3870 2005 - 4089 (2) Mother: obstetric benefits depend on the past obstetric history and the complications in the current pregnancy. Reduction in the risk of bladder and bowel incontinence. Risks: anaesthetic risk of epidural or general anaesthetic, risks of surgery which include infection, bleeding, thromboembolism, damage to bowel and bladder and recurrent risks of surgery in the next pregnancy. In addition, there is a small risk of placenta accreta in subsequent pregnancies. Overall, maternal mortality at Caesarean section is approximately twice that of vaginal delivery. Maternal mortality in Australia from 1997 - 1999 was 8.2 per 100,000. Baby benefit: Caesarean section in certain circumstances can prevent fetal damage or death, e.g. in the case of a very large baby of a diabetic mother, previous infant with difficulty delivering the shoulders, breech presentation, in twin pregnancy with twin one presenting as a breech or transverse lie. If the fetus is compromised in utero and showing signs of distress, it will benefit from circumventing the labour process, e.g. in pre-eclampsia when the blood supply to the placenta is compromised. Fetal risk: Caesarean section results in prematurity with an incidence of breathing problems which may require admission to a neonatal nursery. Fetal trauma including bruising, broken bones if the extraction of the fetus from the uterus is difficult. Rarely, the scalpel during incision of the uterus may cut the fetus. (3) No. The decision regarding mode of delivery is made taking into account the circumstances of each individual woman and baby. (4) There is no direct impact of caesarean sections on the number of legal actions brought against doctors for medical negligence.
2005 - 4089 (2) Mother: obstetric benefits depend on the past obstetric history and the complications in the current pregnancy. Reduction in the risk of bladder and bowel incontinence. Risks: anaesthetic risk of epidural or general anaesthetic, risks of surgery which include infection, bleeding, thromboembolism, damage to bowel and bladder and recurrent risks of surgery in the next pregnancy. In addition, there is a small risk of placenta accreta in subsequent pregnancies. Overall, maternal mortality at Caesarean section is approximately twice that of vaginal delivery. Maternal mortality in Australia from 1997 - 1999 was 8.2 per 100,000. Baby benefit: Caesarean section in certain circumstances can prevent fetal damage or death, e.g. in the case of a very large baby of a diabetic mother, previous infant with difficulty delivering the shoulders, breech presentation, in twin pregnancy with twin one presenting as a breech or transverse lie. If the fetus is compromised in utero and showing signs of distress, it will benefit from circumventing the labour process, e.g. in pre-eclampsia when the blood supply to the placenta is compromised. Fetal risk: Caesarean section results in prematurity with an incidence of breathing problems which may require admission to a neonatal nursery. Fetal trauma including bruising, broken bones if the extraction of the fetus from the uterus is difficult. Rarely, the scalpel during incision of the uterus may cut the fetus. (3) No. The decision regarding mode of delivery is made taking into account the circumstances of each individual woman and baby. (4) There is no direct impact of caesarean sections on the number of legal actions brought against doctors for medical negligence.
(2) Mother: obstetric benefits depend on the past obstetric history and the complications in the current pregnancy. Reduction in the risk of bladder and bowel incontinence. Risks: anaesthetic risk of epidural or general anaesthetic, risks of surgery which include infection, bleeding, thromboembolism, damage to bowel and bladder and recurrent risks of surgery in the next pregnancy. In addition, there is a small risk of placenta accreta in subsequent pregnancies. Overall, maternal mortality at Caesarean section is approximately twice that of vaginal delivery. Maternal mortality in Australia from 1997 - 1999 was 8.2 per 100,000. Baby benefit: Caesarean section in certain circumstances can prevent fetal damage or death, e.g. in the case of a very large baby of a diabetic mother, previous infant with difficulty delivering the shoulders, breech presentation, in twin pregnancy with twin one presenting as a breech or transverse lie. If the fetus is compromised in utero and showing signs of distress, it will benefit from circumventing the labour process, e.g. in pre-eclampsia when the blood supply to the placenta is compromised. Fetal risk: Caesarean section results in prematurity with an incidence of breathing problems which may require admission to a neonatal nursery. Fetal trauma including bruising, broken bones if the extraction of the fetus from the uterus is difficult. Rarely, the scalpel during incision of the uterus may cut the fetus. (3) No. The decision regarding mode of delivery is made taking into account the circumstances of each individual woman and baby. (4) There is no direct impact of caesarean sections on the number of legal actions brought against doctors for medical negligence.
Risks: anaesthetic risk of epidural or general anaesthetic, risks of surgery which include infection, bleeding, thromboembolism, damage to bowel and bladder and recurrent risks of surgery in the next pregnancy. In addition, there is a small risk of placenta accreta in subsequent pregnancies. Overall, maternal mortality at Caesarean section is approximately twice that of vaginal delivery. Maternal mortality in Australia from 1997 - 1999 was 8.2 per 100,000. Baby benefit: Caesarean section in certain circumstances can prevent fetal damage or death, e.g. in the case of a very large baby of a diabetic mother, previous infant with difficulty delivering the shoulders, breech presentation, in twin pregnancy with twin one presenting as a breech or transverse lie. If the fetus is compromised in utero and showing signs of distress, it will benefit from circumventing the labour process, e.g. in pre-eclampsia when the blood supply to the placenta is compromised. Fetal risk: Caesarean section results in prematurity with an incidence of breathing problems which may require admission to a neonatal nursery. Fetal trauma including bruising, broken bones if the extraction of the fetus from the uterus is difficult. Rarely, the scalpel during incision of the uterus may cut the fetus. (3) No. The decision regarding mode of delivery is made taking into account the circumstances of each individual woman and baby. (4) There is no direct impact of caesarean sections on the number of legal actions brought against doctors for medical negligence.
Overall, maternal mortality at Caesarean section is approximately twice that of vaginal delivery. Maternal mortality in Australia from 1997 - 1999 was 8.2 per 100,000. Baby benefit: Caesarean section in certain circumstances can prevent fetal damage or death, e.g. in the case of a very large baby of a diabetic mother, previous infant with difficulty delivering the shoulders, breech presentation, in twin pregnancy with twin one presenting as a breech or transverse lie. If the fetus is compromised in utero and showing signs of distress, it will benefit from circumventing the labour process, e.g. in pre-eclampsia when the blood supply to the placenta is compromised. Fetal risk: Caesarean section results in prematurity with an incidence of breathing problems which may require admission to a neonatal nursery. Fetal trauma including bruising, broken bones if the extraction of the fetus from the uterus is difficult. Rarely, the scalpel during incision of the uterus may cut the fetus. (3) No. The decision regarding mode of delivery is made taking into account the circumstances of each individual woman and baby. (4) There is no direct impact of caesarean sections on the number of legal actions brought against doctors for medical negligence.
Baby benefit: Caesarean section in certain circumstances can prevent fetal damage or death, e.g. in the case of a very large baby of a diabetic mother, previous infant with difficulty delivering the shoulders, breech presentation, in twin pregnancy with twin one presenting as a breech or transverse lie. If the fetus is compromised in utero and showing signs of distress, it will benefit from circumventing the labour process, e.g. in pre-eclampsia when the blood supply to the placenta is compromised. Fetal risk: Caesarean section results in prematurity with an incidence of breathing problems which may require admission to a neonatal nursery. Fetal trauma including bruising, broken bones if the extraction of the fetus from the uterus is difficult. Rarely, the scalpel during incision of the uterus may cut the fetus. (3) No. The decision regarding mode of delivery is made taking into account the circumstances of each individual woman and baby. (4) There is no direct impact of caesarean sections on the number of legal actions brought against doctors for medical negligence.
Fetal risk: Caesarean section results in prematurity with an incidence of breathing problems which may require admission to a neonatal nursery. Fetal trauma including bruising, broken bones if the extraction of the fetus from the uterus is difficult. Rarely, the scalpel during incision of the uterus may cut the fetus. (3) No. The decision regarding mode of delivery is made taking into account the circumstances of each individual woman and baby. (4) There is no direct impact of caesarean sections on the number of legal actions brought against doctors for medical negligence.
(3) No. The decision regarding mode of delivery is made taking into account the circumstances of each individual woman and baby. (4) There is no direct impact of caesarean sections on the number of legal actions brought against doctors for medical negligence.
(4) There is no direct impact of caesarean sections on the number of legal actions brought against doctors for medical negligence.
2003 - 3597 2004 - 3870 2005 - 4089 (2) Mother: obstetric benefits depend on the past obstetric history and the complications in the current pregnancy. Reduction in the risk of bladder and bowel incontinence. Risks: anaesthetic risk of epidural or general anaesthetic, risks of surgery which include infection, bleeding, thromboembolism, damage to bowel and bladder and recurrent risks of surgery in the next pregnancy. In addition, there is a small risk of placenta accreta in subsequent pregnancies. Overall, maternal mortality at Caesarean section is approximately twice that of vaginal delivery. Maternal mortality in Australia from 1997 - 1999 was 8.2 per 100,000. Baby benefit: Caesarean section in certain circumstances can prevent fetal damage or death, e.g. in the case of a very large baby of a diabetic mother, previous infant with difficulty delivering the shoulders, breech presentation, in twin pregnancy with twin one presenting as a breech or transverse lie. If the fetus is compromised in utero and showing signs of distress, it will benefit from circumventing the labour process, e.g. in pre-eclampsia when the blood supply to the placenta is compromised. Fetal risk: Caesarean section results in prematurity with an incidence of breathing problems which may require admission to a neonatal nursery. Fetal trauma including bruising, broken bones if the extraction of the fetus from the uterus is difficult. Rarely, the scalpel during incision of the uterus may cut the fetus. (3) No. The decision regarding mode of delivery is made taking into account the circumstances of each individual woman and baby. (4) There is no direct impact of caesarean sections on the number of legal actions brought against doctors for medical negligence.
2004 - 3870 2005 - 4089 (2) Mother: obstetric benefits depend on the past obstetric history and the complications in the current pregnancy. Reduction in the risk of bladder and bowel incontinence. Risks: anaesthetic risk of epidural or general anaesthetic, risks of surgery which include infection, bleeding, thromboembolism, damage to bowel and bladder and recurrent risks of surgery in the next pregnancy. In addition, there is a small risk of placenta accreta in subsequent pregnancies. Overall, maternal mortality at Caesarean section is approximately twice that of vaginal delivery. Maternal mortality in Australia from 1997 - 1999 was 8.2 per 100,000. Baby benefit: Caesarean section in certain circumstances can prevent fetal damage or death, e.g. in the case of a very large baby of a diabetic mother, previous infant with difficulty delivering the shoulders, breech presentation, in twin pregnancy with twin one presenting as a breech or transverse lie. If the fetus is compromised in utero and showing signs of distress, it will benefit from circumventing the labour process, e.g. in pre-eclampsia when the blood supply to the placenta is compromised. Fetal risk: Caesarean section results in prematurity with an incidence of breathing problems which may require admission to a neonatal nursery. Fetal trauma including bruising, broken bones if the extraction of the fetus from the uterus is difficult. Rarely, the scalpel during incision of the uterus may cut the fetus. (3) No. The decision regarding mode of delivery is made taking into account the circumstances of each individual woman and baby. (4) There is no direct impact of caesarean sections on the number of legal actions brought against doctors for medical negligence.
2005 - 4089 (2) Mother: obstetric benefits depend on the past obstetric history and the complications in the current pregnancy. Reduction in the risk of bladder and bowel incontinence. Risks: anaesthetic risk of epidural or general anaesthetic, risks of surgery which include infection, bleeding, thromboembolism, damage to bowel and bladder and recurrent risks of surgery in the next pregnancy. In addition, there is a small risk of placenta accreta in subsequent pregnancies. Overall, maternal mortality at Caesarean section is approximately twice that of vaginal delivery. Maternal mortality in Australia from 1997 - 1999 was 8.2 per 100,000. Baby benefit: Caesarean section in certain circumstances can prevent fetal damage or death, e.g. in the case of a very large baby of a diabetic mother, previous infant with difficulty delivering the shoulders, breech presentation, in twin pregnancy with twin one presenting as a breech or transverse lie. If the fetus is compromised in utero and showing signs of distress, it will benefit from circumventing the labour process, e.g. in pre-eclampsia when the blood supply to the placenta is compromised. Fetal risk: Caesarean section results in prematurity with an incidence of breathing problems which may require admission to a neonatal nursery. Fetal trauma including bruising, broken bones if the extraction of the fetus from the uterus is difficult. Rarely, the scalpel during incision of the uterus may cut the fetus. (3) No. The decision regarding mode of delivery is made taking into account the circumstances of each individual woman and baby. (4) There is no direct impact of caesarean sections on the number of legal actions brought against doctors for medical negligence.
(2) Mother: obstetric benefits depend on the past obstetric history and the complications in the current pregnancy. Reduction in the risk of bladder and bowel incontinence. Risks: anaesthetic risk of epidural or general anaesthetic, risks of surgery which include infection, bleeding, thromboembolism, damage to bowel and bladder and recurrent risks of surgery in the next pregnancy. In addition, there is a small risk of placenta accreta in subsequent pregnancies. Overall, maternal mortality at Caesarean section is approximately twice that of vaginal delivery. Maternal mortality in Australia from 1997 - 1999 was 8.2 per 100,000. Baby benefit: Caesarean section in certain circumstances can prevent fetal damage or death, e.g. in the case of a very large baby of a diabetic mother, previous infant with difficulty delivering the shoulders, breech presentation, in twin pregnancy with twin one presenting as a breech or transverse lie. If the fetus is compromised in utero and showing signs of distress, it will benefit from circumventing the labour process, e.g. in pre-eclampsia when the blood supply to the placenta is compromised. Fetal risk: Caesarean section results in prematurity with an incidence of breathing problems which may require admission to a neonatal nursery. Fetal trauma including bruising, broken bones if the extraction of the fetus from the uterus is difficult. Rarely, the scalpel during incision of the uterus may cut the fetus. (3) No. The decision regarding mode of delivery is made taking into account the circumstances of each individual woman and baby. (4) There is no direct impact of caesarean sections on the number of legal actions brought against doctors for medical negligence.
Risks: anaesthetic risk of epidural or general anaesthetic, risks of surgery which include infection, bleeding, thromboembolism, damage to bowel and bladder and recurrent risks of surgery in the next pregnancy. In addition, there is a small risk of placenta accreta in subsequent pregnancies. Overall, maternal mortality at Caesarean section is approximately twice that of vaginal delivery. Maternal mortality in Australia from 1997 - 1999 was 8.2 per 100,000. Baby benefit: Caesarean section in certain circumstances can prevent fetal damage or death, e.g. in the case of a very large baby of a diabetic mother, previous infant with difficulty delivering the shoulders, breech presentation, in twin pregnancy with twin one presenting as a breech or transverse lie. If the fetus is compromised in utero and showing signs of distress, it will benefit from circumventing the labour process, e.g. in pre-eclampsia when the blood supply to the placenta is compromised. Fetal risk: Caesarean section results in prematurity with an incidence of breathing problems which may require admission to a neonatal nursery. Fetal trauma including bruising, broken bones if the extraction of the fetus from the uterus is difficult. Rarely, the scalpel during incision of the uterus may cut the fetus. (3) No. The decision regarding mode of delivery is made taking into account the circumstances of each individual woman and baby. (4) There is no direct impact of caesarean sections on the number of legal actions brought against doctors for medical negligence.
Overall, maternal mortality at Caesarean section is approximately twice that of vaginal delivery. Maternal mortality in Australia from 1997 - 1999 was 8.2 per 100,000. Baby benefit: Caesarean section in certain circumstances can prevent fetal damage or death, e.g. in the case of a very large baby of a diabetic mother, previous infant with difficulty delivering the shoulders, breech presentation, in twin pregnancy with twin one presenting as a breech or transverse lie. If the fetus is compromised in utero and showing signs of distress, it will benefit from circumventing the labour process, e.g. in pre-eclampsia when the blood supply to the placenta is compromised. Fetal risk: Caesarean section results in prematurity with an incidence of breathing problems which may require admission to a neonatal nursery. Fetal trauma including bruising, broken bones if the extraction of the fetus from the uterus is difficult. Rarely, the scalpel during incision of the uterus may cut the fetus. (3) No. The decision regarding mode of delivery is made taking into account the circumstances of each individual woman and baby. (4) There is no direct impact of caesarean sections on the number of legal actions brought against doctors for medical negligence.
Baby benefit: Caesarean section in certain circumstances can prevent fetal damage or death, e.g. in the case of a very large baby of a diabetic mother, previous infant with difficulty delivering the shoulders, breech presentation, in twin pregnancy with twin one presenting as a breech or transverse lie. If the fetus is compromised in utero and showing signs of distress, it will benefit from circumventing the labour process, e.g. in pre-eclampsia when the blood supply to the placenta is compromised. Fetal risk: Caesarean section results in prematurity with an incidence of breathing problems which may require admission to a neonatal nursery. Fetal trauma including bruising, broken bones if the extraction of the fetus from the uterus is difficult. Rarely, the scalpel during incision of the uterus may cut the fetus. (3) No. The decision regarding mode of delivery is made taking into account the circumstances of each individual woman and baby. (4) There is no direct impact of caesarean sections on the number of legal actions brought against doctors for medical negligence.
Fetal risk: Caesarean section results in prematurity with an incidence of breathing problems which may require admission to a neonatal nursery. Fetal trauma including bruising, broken bones if the extraction of the fetus from the uterus is difficult. Rarely, the scalpel during incision of the uterus may cut the fetus. (3) No. The decision regarding mode of delivery is made taking into account the circumstances of each individual woman and baby. (4) There is no direct impact of caesarean sections on the number of legal actions brought against doctors for medical negligence.
(3) No. The decision regarding mode of delivery is made taking into account the circumstances of each individual woman and baby. (4) There is no direct impact of caesarean sections on the number of legal actions brought against doctors for medical negligence.
(4) There is no direct impact of caesarean sections on the number of legal actions brought against doctors for medical negligence.
Explore WA Government Data
Search the full archive in the free dashboard, or query programmatically via API.
Explore more
Government Gazette
Appointments, regulatory notices, planning changes.
Hansard
Debates, questions, speeches and sentiment.
Tabled Papers
Reports and documents tabled in Parliament.
Committees
Committee profiles and recent reports.
Regulations
Subsidiary legislation with filters and summaries.
Bills
Proposed laws and parliamentary progress.
Acts
Current WA legislation and summaries.
Explanatory Memoranda
Bills with EMs (text/PDF) available.
Members
MP profiles, party breakdown and rankings.
Pollie Rankings
Data-driven rankings across 19 categories.
Amendment Chains
Track how schemes and regulations evolve over time.