Ghanaian broadcaster MzGee has sparked conversation across social and traditional media by challenging prevailing attitudes in parts of West Africa that portray Caesarean sections (C-sections) as taboo, evil, or “demonic”. In a candid interview, she asked why medical interventions proven to save lives are burdened with moral and spiritual stigma.
The broadcaster’s message
In the interview, MzGee shared her frustration with how some churches and communities portray C-sections with fear rather than fact. She said:
“If it’s about saving a life—mother or child—why is it treated like witchcraft? Why must fear drive decisions when medicine can intervene?”
Her comments followed reports of women being discouraged from undergoing medically indicated C-sections on religious grounds, sometimes with fatal outcomes.
The cultural and religious backdrop
In Ghana and other parts of West Africa, research shows that some pregnant women believe a C-section signals weakness, spiritual failure, or even being under a curse. Health-care providers report that such beliefs delay necessary surgery, increasing risk for mother and baby.
One documented case involved a woman who laboured for over two days before her church intervened against the C-section, delaying treatment until the baby was near death.
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Why the stigma persists
- Religious interpretations: Some faith leaders preach that natural birth is God’s design, and surgery is seen as interfering with divine will.
- Social pressure: In many communities, vaginal birth is celebrated as strength; C-section may be viewed as failure or shame.
- Lack of education: Misunderstanding of what a C-section is, why it’s done, and how safe it can be contributes to fear.
- Cost & access issues: In resource-poor settings, the higher cost of C-sections and limited access can feed stigma.
Why it needs to change
MzGee argues the stigma is not just unfair—it’s dangerous. When women delay or refuse a necessary C-section due to fear of spiritual condemnation, the results can be tragic. Efforts to frame the procedure as a “bad omen” undermine women’s health, maternal mortality reduction, and broader public-health goals.
Medical experts stress that a C-section is not a shortcut—it’s a critical surgical intervention in cases where vaginal delivery is unsafe.
