Protest in China after young pregnant woman died

A pregnant woman in China killed herself after her family allegedly refused permission for a caesarean section despite her being in severe pain.

She and the child died. The incidentL triggered a furore over bureaucratic procedures curtailing an individual's freedom to decide their own healthcare.

According to doctors at the Yulin Number One hospital in Shaanxi province, a 26-year-old woman surnamed Ma, 41 weeks pregnant, was suffering "unbearable" pain. They also estimated a vaginal delivery would be very risky, "but the family were not willing".

Caesarean sections were earlier favored in China, but after the one-child policy was abolished in 2015, women are being encouraged to avoid it. This is due to risks associated: a caesarean can cause a ruptured uterus or a low-lying placenta.

UCJ, UNILORIN.