December 04, 2003

Caesarean birth live on TV

I am just back from the Channel Nine television studio where I appeared as a guest commentator on the Today program, a very popular breakfast show that goes out live across Australia.

To celebrate Australia reaching a population of 20 million, which will occur today apparently, they had decided to show a caesarean birth live, with crosses between the operating theatres at North Shore Private Hospital and the studio. They began publicising this event several days ago and have been inundated with emails from women, around 90% berating the program for such a tasteless and inappropriate program choice. Hence the phone call to me yesterday, seeking someone to appear to put “the other side of the story” so they could be shown to be achieving some kind of “balance”.

The obstetrician, Rick Porter, is a regular on the show, and as I waited with the show’s host Steve Leibman in the studio, he was shown in the operating theatre, waiting for the spinal anaesthetic to be inserted (we didn’t see this in close up, thank heavens!). He was enjoying himself hugely, and gleefully explained the procedure - the administration of the anaesthetic, cutting of the various layers, then it “:would be on for young and old” as the baby was “squeezed out like toothpaste”. I nearly fell off my chair! Even Steve was shocked by his cavalier attitude and insensitivity. Porter tried to redeem himself by saying that “it was just a job for all of them in the theatre but always special for the parents”.

Then I had about 3 minutes to put the “other side”. The questions were helpful in this regard but I was given very little time to answer them. I kept talking long after I was given the message to stop...... and I tried to do my best. Afterwards I said to Steve that this kind of show was glorifying an unnecessary medical procedure in most cases and that it deserved better coverage of the issue. He agreed and said they would be following it up.

As I left (having removed a half inch layer of heavy makeup) I got the distinct impression that the staff on the show were almost unanimous in their disapproval of this television “event”. There was one positive from my angle though - I was able to talk to one of the staff in the make up room who is expecting twins. I explained her options and encouraged her to find out as much as she can about vaginal birth, and avoiding epidurals and private obstetric care.

I left the researchers and producer with copies of Sally Tracey’s papers on the rates of intervention in births in NSW and the costs of this cascade. They also have copies of Preparing for Birth Mothers and Fathers, which I hope will give them some “simple” reading matter on the broader issues.

When I returned home, I caught the last comment from Steve on this television spectacular - he was saying that although they had received a lot of criticism for presenting this story, and live to air, they were now getting a lot of positive emails saying how lovely it had been. He was clearly relieved!

These programs are always frustrating. In the end, it is the sensational story that counts and token gestures to make it appear that they are giving a balanced view are all that are tolerated. Perhaps they will follow this up - I offered to do a live debate with the obstetrician on this issue if they dare to tackle it. We shall see.....

Posted by andrea at December 04, 2003 08:32 AM

Comments

I watched the caesarean delivery and the interview this morning. I agree that Dr. Gordon's comments were insensitive and uneccessary. I also agree with Andrea Robertson in that this is a huge topic which deserves a more thorough discussion. In support of this, I have emailed the Today show with suggestions that they follow up both sides of this debate, and present a clearer picture for women. I felt that the time allowed for Andrea Robertson to present "the other side" was grossly inadequate, and a insult to her expertise.

Posted by: A James on December 4, 2003 09:13 AM

Comments

I watched the Today show, at first with bemusement, which quickly turned to anger at Dr Ric's cavalier attitude. "Squeezed out like toothpaste", "on for young and old", then holding up that poor little screaming baby like a trophy - what was he thinking! I felt sorry for the mother - who was the most passive person I have ever seen - what was her role in all of this? Lie there and be quiet?

You made a valiant effort Andrea and your frustration was clearly obvious. I hope Dr Ric is brave enough to "take you on". If nothing else he deserves a lesson in using appropriate language!

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