Is it fair to call a C-Section, Rape?

Question

Does it not belittle the actual trauma that actual rape victims go through? Here's the story.

By Madeline Holler
Strollerderby/Babble

Rachael Larimore was raped years ago and survived. More recently, she has given birth three times, all of them via c-sections. Considering her history and experiences, she’s unsympathetic toward Arizona mom Joy Szabo and others who equate forced c-sections with rape.

She’s got a point, which she makes in the post, “Childbirth is Not Burger King. You Can’t Always Have it Your Way,” at Double X. But in arguing that Szabo’s use of “rape” is hurting rape victims, she errs in the same way she’s accusing Szabo of erring: that is, she makes assumptions about the trauma of other people’s experiences and diminishes that trauma in the process.

Larimore’s first c-section followed an induction, all of which her doctor discussed with her and she willingly agreed to. She was also given a choice during her second pregnancy, VBAC or another section. She chose the latter. Third time, no question. Here’s what she says:

Yes, I was lucky. I had a choice. And I realize that not having that choice can be frustrating. But to compare it to rape is unfair to doctors, hospitals, and—yes—actual rape victims. There are still hospitals that perform VBACs. If yours doesn’t, you can find another one. You might have to find a different doctor, but in the end, it’s your choice. You are prioritizing your chosen method of delivery over your choice of doctor and place of delivery.

First, Larimore’s belief that our medical insurance system will simply allow someone to switch doctors and hospitals at whim is questionable. But more to the point, while Larimore thinks “rape” overplays the trauma and helplessness this Arizona woman is trying to capture in using the term, Larimore is way underplaying those same feelings. She says Szabo’s c-section-only option is “frustrating.” Based on the woman’s actions, I gather she’s more than frustrated.

And also? Larimore’s forgetting that Szabo — and others who have claimed birth-rape — doesn’t actually have a choice. The doctors wouldn’t let her attempt VBAC, based only on hospital policy, not Szabo’s history. You can read more about Szabo and her drastic and expensive alternative to the c-section here.

Finally, maybe I’m now guilty of broadening the semantics of rape beyond scope, but I read a hint of “she’s asking for it” into Larimore’s conclusion. She questions the motivations of women who write birth plans, even though this is one way birthing mothers can say “no.” She also implies that women are overly invested in their attempts to have input into how their bodies are handled.

There is so much emphasis today put on couples having “birth plans” and making childbirth into a magical, memorable experience. When so much energy is spent crafting an experience, you’re bound to be disappointed if it doesn’t go exactly as planned. But childbirth is momentary. Parenting is forever. And one of the lessons of parenting is that things don’t always go according to plan.

Larimore��s not the first person to ridicule birth plans and remind us that c-sections can be necessary. But I think her post (and the reaction to it) is a great demonstration of the discord in one subset of Mommy Wars’ conflicts (Battle cry: “I birth better than you!:). While we all love the kids — we can agree on that, right? We all love the kids!!! — each side continues to be suspicious of the other with regard to the exit strategy. One side says about birth, “What’s the big damn deal?” The other side says, “It’s a big damn deal!”
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http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/parenting/is-it-fair-to-call-a-c-section-rape-528322/?pg=9#comments

Thoughts on using the definition of rape in this manner?

Ally · Accepted Answer

I have had four c-sections and never once felt like I was violated at all. Anyone who could compare the joy of giving birth to the hell a rape victim goes through is ignorant.

Blue Eyed Christian · Answer

A forced c-section is not the same as rape. Calling it rape is just stupid. However, it's also not right that they are forcing this woman to have surgery and not even allowing her a change to try for a vaginal delivery, simply because of hospital policy.

She should find another hospital to birth in. Or she should labour at home and show up when she's just about ready to deliver - then they will have no choice but to allow her to give birth vaginally.

Jack · Answer

Normally I would not equate it with rape.  There might be an exception.  A woman's child can be taken from her.  In such a case, the trauma of both giving birth and losing a child to kidnapping might be compared with rape.

This does not normally happen though it is also not unheard-of in some places.

A woman who is forced to have a c-section might feel cheated.  It is a different experience than natural childbirth.  It still would not be the same as rape.  Sometimes you do what you must.  You don't always do what you want.  I think it is wonderful that women are much less likely to die because of medical intervention when needed.  It is sad that some are cheated out of a natural experience by those medical needs.  It is wonderful that they and their children live.

Breeze · Answer

Few things....First of all, I see the comparing of C-sections to Rape as pretty silly.  It's over dramatics and only being use as a way to get attention. (which it did...it worked)

However.........this is something I've been looking into recently as I make my own birthing plans.
C-section, drugs and the treatment of women in labor...in this country, leaves a lot to be desired. 
C- sections have sky rocketed in numbers, and for the first time in decades the number of women dying from labor is on the raise..directly b/c of the over use of c-sections.  Less then 10% of women need one..and that number is being generous, yet there are hospitals here in the US who have c-section rates of 40% plus. 
Why? more money for them..less work and time for the doc.  
Drugs are another issue, I just found out the drug that was used on my daughter..six years ago is now illegal do to long term brain damage on infants, plus it has this little habit of stopping there hearts (OOPS) 
That drug had been used for years...think the stuff they are now using has been tested better?  na not really. (can we say yaa to the reason autism and add are sky rocketing?)

The unwillingness of hospitals in the US to let women do what they need to do in order to get ready for and give birth.  
Is ridiculous, cant walk around, cant eat, get strapped down, cant sit up or squat to delivery....these are all things that have been used for centuries and are still used by the majority of women giving birth.   The ONLY reason the US doesnt allow them is they inconvenience the doc....oh ya and they might want to cut you open for no reason. 

Sorry..kinda ranted there.

not yet · Answer

With all the words we have to describe the world around us and the experiences we have, I see no need to use the word rape in this context.  There are many other ways to express the intensity of frustration and physical violation a person is feeling without appropriating the term rape.

Let's maintain some integrity of language, please.

Anonymous · Answer

I can't ever think of a situation where rape would be necessary to save a mother's life or a baby's life.  C-sections sometimes are.  Is it rape when you're in a car accident and people start operating on you without your consent?  There's a difference between doing what's necessary to save someone's life and raping them.

tehabwa · Answer

Uh, it's innaccurate to the point of being bat-sh*t crazy.

Oh, people are talking about FORCED c-sections. It's still not identical to rape, but it's obviously wrong. No person should have surgery forced on them against their will.

Obviously, it isn't identical to rape; it shares ONE aspect -- something being forced on someone.

Where exactly are these forced c-sections happening? What are "birth plans"?

Anonymous · Answer

No, a C-section is not rape. Not only is it unfair to rape victims, but it is simply not accurate. Rape is when someone forces someone else to have sexual intercourse with him against her will. Childbirth is not sexual intercourse.

Know It All · Answer

Yes, very true! Calling C-sections "rape" is as belittling as many chicks bringing up false rape accusations for the popularity/money/media-coverage they can fetch them. This is ridiculous!

ty · Answer

If you don't want a C-section, you don't have to give birth in a hospital.

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Is it fair to call a C-Section, Rape?

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