Elective C-Section Risky Or Safe? As Indians In US Look To Beat Trump Deadline On Birthright Citizenship, This Is What Doctors Say

After US President Donald Trump set a cat among the pigeons by announcing on January 20 that he plans to terminate the existing law of birthright citizenship under the 14th Amendment from February 20 onwards. As per that proclamation, babies born February 20 onwards to those who aren’t permanent residents won’t be automatically entitled to citizenship as before. Even though a US District Court Judge John Coughenour in Seattle on Thursday (January 23) temporarily blocked President Trump’s executive order seeking to end birthright citizenship, there is palpable fear among members of the families of the H1-B visa migrants over the status of their as yet unborn children. Ever since President Trump’s proclamation, an increasing number of Indian women in the US who are in their eighth or ninth month of pregnancy have been asking for a Caesarean section (C-section) to be scheduled before February 20, according to <a href="https://ift.tt/AzBe3np>. <h2>What Is The 14th Amendment, And What Trump Plans To Do</h2> The 14th Amendment to the US Constitution codified birthright citizenship in 1868. It begins with these lines: “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.”  As per the January 20 proclamation by President Trump, babies born February 20 onwards to those who aren’t permanent residents won’t be automatically entitled to citizenship as before. <h2>Hurry To Deliver Babies</h2> According to a report in Times Of India, the desperation to beat the birthright citizenship deadline is apparently so widespread that in the deluge of requests, a few to-be-mums are still a couple of months away from full term. ABP Live asked doctors and health experts about the risk in opting for elective caesarian on non-medical grounds, and being done purely for citizenship criterion. Here’s what gynaecologists and obstetricians say on the issue:  <h3>The Ethics:</h3> Speaking about the ethical oversight angle, Dr Pooja Goel, Senior Consultant, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, said while not strictly illegal, performing such a procedure could attract legal and ethical scrutiny, especially if complications arise. “Courts in India and other countries often uphold professional medical guidelines when evaluating cases of alleged negligence or unethical practices,” she said. <h3>The Safety Aspect:</h3> Dr Phani Madhuri, Obstetrician Gynecologist, Bangalore Hospitals, said: "Elective cesarean sections for non-medical reasons are generally considered safe when performed in a well-equipped medical setting by experienced professionals. Medical protocols recognize "patient preference" as a valid indication for caesarean delivery, provided the patient is informed about the potential risks and benefits.” Dr Pooja Goel said as an obstetrics and gynaecology specialist, she feels it is imperative to counsel patients on the importance of full-term pregnancies unless medically indicated otherwise. The health and well-being of both mother and child should always take precedence over external factors influencing delivery timing. <h3>Risks to the Infant:</h3> <ul> <li>Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS): Preterm infants often have underdeveloped lungs, leading to breathing difficulties.</li> <li>Intraventricular Hemorrhage (IVH): The risk of brain hemorrhages is higher in preterm babies due to fragile blood vessels.</li> <li>Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC): A severe intestinal condition more common in premature infants.</li> <li>Long-term Developmental Delays: Premature birth can result in cognitive and motor skill impairments.</li> <li>Low birth weight</li> <li>Increase risk of infection </li> <li>Hypothermia - Fluctuations in body temperature</li> <li>Feeding difficulties – Improper suckling and latching </li> </ul> <h3>Risks to the Mother:</h3> <ul> <li>Surgical Complications: Elective preterm cesarean sections can lead to increased bleeding and infection risks.</li> <li>motional and Psychological Impact: Mothers may experience heightened stress and anxiety associated with the health challenges of a preterm infant.</li> <li>Increase changes of repeat caesarean in next pregnancy </li> </ul> <h2>Is Elective C-Section Legally Allowed?</h2> Legally, elective C-section is permitted in most countries as long as the decision aligns with ethical medical practices and informed consent is obtained. A significant number of patients opt for elective Cesareans due to personal preferences, such as selecting an auspicious date or time for the child’s birth, or due to an extreme fear of labor pain, said Dr Madhuri.  Speaking on the legal framework in India, Dr Pooja Goel said there are no explicit laws in India prohibiting elective C-sections for non-medical reasons. However, she added, medical practitioners are bound by ethical and professional guidelines, which prioritise patient safety and well-being. Unjustified elective surgeries can be challenged under medical negligence laws if complications arise. Speaking on the legality of such forced deliveries in the international context, Dr Goel said countries like the US and the UK also lack explicit prohibitions against elective C-sections for non-medical reasons, but hospitals and professional organisations strongly discourage such practices. “In some jurisdictions, deliberately endangering the baby’s health for non-medical reasons may be viewed as child endangerment or negligence, especially if complications arise,” she said. <h2>Medical Protocol On Elective C-Section</h2> Dr Phani Madhuri highlighted how the medical protocol says that it is essential for healthcare providers to carefully evaluate the timing and maternal-fetal health to ensure the safety of both the mother and the baby. According to Dr Pooja Goel, an elective C-section purely for non-medical reasons, particularly when the baby is not full-term, violates standard medical protocols due to the risks involved. Medical protocols globally, including in India, emphasise evidence-based practices to ensure maternal and neonatal safety. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Federation of Obstetric and Gynecological Societies of India (FOGSI) recommend: <ul> <li>Avoiding non-medically indicated C-sections before 39 weeks of gestation.</li> <li>Elective C-sections should only be performed after a thorough medical assessment and counseling.</li> </ul>

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Elective C-Section Risky Or Safe? As Indians In US Look To Beat Trump Deadline On Birthright Citizenship, This Is What Doctors Say

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Elective C-Section Risky Or Safe? As Indians In US Look To Beat Trump Deadline On Birthright Citizenship, This Is What Doctors Say

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