Hospital overrides mother's caesarean plan, leaves her with severe trauma
Kate Marsden's signed caesarean plan was dismissed by attending staff, leading to forced vaginal birth, severe physical injury and her son's complications.
Kate Marsden arrived at Launceston General Hospital with a signed birth plan approved by the lead obstetrician. The attending doctor was dismissive and critical of her choice of caesarean.
A midwife refused to check her progress and offered heat packs and paracetamol instead. By the time staff realised how quickly her labour had advanced, an epidural was impossible.
A caesarean was no longer an option. Marsden endured severe physical trauma for weeks.
Her newborn was placed on oxygen due to fluid on his lungs. Later, he needed physiotherapy and a corrective helmet for a neck condition.
The Department of Health said staff should have better explored other options to prepare her. Marsden has submitted her experience to a Senate inquiry into women's health.
- Launceston General Hospital
- Hospital
- Kate Marsden
- Patient
- Senate inquiry into women's health
- Submission
Why it mattersIt exposes a gap where hospital staff can override approved birth plans without proper consent. This leaves mothers and babies at risk of serious harm with little recourse.
AustraliaThis case is part of a broader Senate inquiry into maternity care failures in Australian hospitals, raising questions about whether birth plans are truly respected and whether injured mothers receive adequate follow-up care.
Corroborated bytheadvocate.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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