| dc.description.abstract | Thisstudy investigated the role that New Reproductive Techniques (NRTs)
play in widening the scope of women in enjoying reproductive health and
rights. Some of these NRTsinclude in vitro fertilization (IVF),cloning, genetic
screening, and anaesthesia management. Specifically, the study
examined the social and cultural environment in which caesarean section
births take place in Nairobi, exploring the decision makers in reproductive
health, while questioning some usage of NRTswith regard to ethical
considerations.
The study used cognitive dissonance theory as posited by Leon Festinger.
Two public and two private hospitals were purposively selected for the
study in Nairobi. A sample of forty respondents (32 women and 8 men)
was also randomly selected. An interview guide with open ended and
close ended questions, key informants and focused group discussions
were the major methods used to generate data for this study. Additional
data was gathered through the use of informal conversotions. The data
was analysed using both qualitative and quantitative techniques.
The findings of the research indicate that there are many factors that
women consider in order to arrive at the decision to give birth vaginally or
through c-sections. The study further reveals that most women in Nairobi
do not have sufficient information that can help them make reproductive
health choices that face them when pregnant. The study acknowledges
the critical role that NRTs pia,? in the management of women's
reproduction, while at the same time asserting that NRTscan be applied
for self gain and other reasons other than strict medical indications
The study recommends that c-sections (especially emergency c-sections)
be made readily available to all women who may need it, in order to
reduce maternal mortality in the country. The study further recommends
that many more lives could be saved by improving training in anesthesia
and postoperative surveillance | en |
