The indictment filed by the Brazilian network Parto do Princípio is being supported by the Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office, which is calling for a public hearing on September 26, 2007 in São Paulo, Brazil, to hear authorities and representatives of the Brazilian Ministry of Health, the National Health Agency (ANS), the Federal Board of Medicine, Association of Private Hospitals, Federal Board of Nurses, Escola Paulista de Medicina (Medical School of São Paulo), and health insurance companies.

In July 2006, Parto do Princípio denounced the abuse of c-sections in the private health sector in Brazil to the Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office in São Paulo through a 35 page long dossier citing more than 30 scientific studies. The document, amongst others, describes: the medical lobby; the National Health Agency’s inefficiency in inspecting and regulating the private health sector; the means by which women are lured to accept unnecessary c-sections; the disrespect to the majority of Brazilian women who want to give birth normally (80%) and don’t succeed; the interventionist education medical students receive; and the doctors´ lack of ethic by defending planned c-sections.

The distortions in the Brazilian private health system must be uncovered to the general public, and this first public hearing is an important opportunity for society to discuss a problem that has been harming thousands of women and babies.

The hearing also acts as a means of compelling the responsible agencies to act, since the Federal Public Prosecutors, having constitutional jurisdiction as an advocate of society, can interfere in the National Health Agency to guarantee it fulfils its legal duties in a more rigorous way.

One of Parto do Princípio’s suggestions is that the National Health Agency enforces rules to protect women in the private health sector from unnecessary c-sections, just as the rules which are already in use in the public health system. 

Parto do Princípio (www.partodoprincipio.com.br), a network of more than 250 women fighting for active birth in 16 states of Brazil, estimates that this indictment will gather around 500 people on the day of the hearing, to protest against the
c-section abuse.

Apart from Parto do Princípio, the Federal Public Prosecutor and the National Health Agency, the following civil organizations will be represented: National Association of Health Insurance Companies, ReHuNa (Network for Active Childbirth), Febrasgo (Brazilian Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Associations), Matrice (Action to Support Breastfeeding), GAMA (Active Maternity Support Group), as well as anyone interested in discussing this important matter.

NOTE: The statements and information given to the Federal Public Prosecutor are based on scientific research or were inferred based on the analysis of one or more studies. Parto do Princípio shall not release the entire text of the indictment, but offers a shorter 8-page version of the document, with the most relevant data and the articles which were used as a source. Contact our press service.

SERVICE:

 Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office

 Public Hearing: Wednesday, September 26, 2007 at 10 a.m.

R. Peixoto Gomide, 768 – Jardim Paulista - São Paulo, SP.