Okla. Doctors Oppose Cesarean Section Births Plan

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - The Oklahoma Health Care Authority has backed off a proposal to reduce cesarean section births after doctors complained they weren't included in its development. According to the Journal Record, state Medical Director Garth Splinter wrote in a Jan. 24 letter that the Cesarean Section Quality Initiative came about because Oklahoma's C-section birth rate has climbed without outcome improvements for mothers and babies. Splinter says the rate jumped from 22.5 percent in 1996 to 33.6 percent in 2007. The initiative seeks to lower the first-time C-section rate to 18 percent. Obstetrician-gynecologist Dana Stone told a House committee Wednesday doctors would've preferred a collaborative approach over a letter that seemed to be more about cost control than quality. The authority will review the plan and work with physicians on a new version.ents for mothers and babies. Splinter says the rate jumped from 22.5 percent in 1996 to 33.6 percent in 2007. The initiative seeks to lower the first-time C-section rate to 18 percent. Obstetrician-gynecologist Dana Stone told a House committee Wednesday doctors would've preferred a collaborative approach over a letter that seemed to be more about cost control than quality. The authority will review the plan and work with physicians on a new version.