Abstract

In 1999, the organization Cuidiu-Irish Childbirth Trust published the third edition of its “Consumer Guide” to maternity services, with the assistance of the Department of Health and Children. One of the principal trends Cuidiu identified was an increase in the percentage of births by caesarean section. In this respect, Ireland appears to be ‘catching up’ with many other European states. Some commentators suggested that patient preference has contributed to the increasing number of caesarean sections in Ireland. In the personal view of Cuidiu’s President, Sue Jameson, women’s expectations for a “perfect, pain-free birth” had increased the likelihood of intervention.