Challenges in obtaining consent for caesarean delivery in minors in South Africa

NC Ngene; T Bodiba

doi:10.7196/sajog.1628

Case reports

Challenges in obtaining consent for caesarean delivery in minors in South Africa

NC Ngene, T Bodiba

Abstract

A 16-year-old primigravida at term developed fetal compromise in the second stage of labour and had a delayed caesarean delivery (CD) because she declined the procedure after the medical manager had consented on her behalf following the unavailability of her parents. The baby that was delivered suffered neonatal encephalopathy. This report provides a recommendation on how to improve the process of obtaining consent for CD in minors in South Africa.

Authors' affiliations

NC Ngene, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Klerksdorp Hospital, South Africa; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa

T Bodiba, Department of Paediatrics, Klerksdorp Hospital, South Africa