Sharon Gaffka, a reality TV star and political activist, discusses her decision to opt for an elective caesarean section amid concerns over the state of maternity services in England.

The article highlights the rising trend of caesarean births, which surpassed natural vaginal births for the first time in 2024-25, according to NHS data.Gaffka emphasizes that her choice is not about rejecting vaginal birth but about feeling in control during a time of systemic issues in healthcare.

She references the Ockenden report on Nottingham University Hospitals, which exposed failures in maternity care, and Valerie Amos’s review, which criticized the lack of adaptation to changing demographics in maternity services.Gaffka also addresses racial disparities in maternal outcomes, noting that Black and Asian women face higher risks.

While acknowledging the risks of caesarean sections, she argues that the procedure offers a sense of calm in an environment where women often feel unheard.The piece calls for a healthcare system where every woman, regardless of birth method, feels supported and empowered.

It underscores the need for informed choice and better communication in maternity care, advocating for a system where birth decisions are genuinely autonomous.