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Loading...Lawmaker Wants To Cut Funding For “Unnecessary” Epidurals
Utah state senator Dan Liljenquist may propose a piece of legislation that is going to upset a lot of women: saying that it could save the state “millions,” he has suggested that Utah cut Medicaid spending for elective epidurals and cesarean sections. This, he claims, will stop college students from having babies on the state’s dime that they could technically pay for themselves.
Epidurals, a shot given in the spine, are often requested during childbirth because they reduce pain during labor. Charmingly, Liljenquist seems to think that women don’t deserve to have this pain lessened. Referring to the waiting list for Medicaid in Utah for the disabled, he explained, “Do we save some kid or make birth easier?” Studies show that about 65 percent of births nationwide involve an epidural.
The question of c-sections is a little more complicated, because it is somewhat likely that women in the United States will be given a cesarean section that they don’t necessarily need. But removing the possibility altogether would be very dangerous. This is in addition to the fact that Utah has the lowest c-section rate in the country, at 22% compared to 32% nationwide.
Liljenquist’s line seems, basically, to be that any “unnecessary” medical procedure should not be covered by Medicaid – which boils down to saying that women, specifically, only deserve anesthesia if they can pay for it. Unsurprisingly, this has received some harsh criticism.
“All I can say is thank God for anesthesia,” said Sen. Peter Knudson, assistant majority whip. “There are people who have pain thresholds who can tolerate a lot of discomfort, but not everyone. I’m all for saving money … but this is not where we should begin.”
The fact that Liljenquist’s policy is also extremely sexist just adds to the injustice. Only women would be expected to suffer because of these funding cuts, because lawmakers like Liljenquist seem to assume that pain is a requisite part of childbirth. As a blogger on Opposing Views put it, the policy is ” about as thoughtful a move as trying to force more women to breastfeed by making formula available by prescription only.”
Read more: cesarean sections, childbirth, dan liljenquist, funding cuts, medicaid, misogyny, pregnant women, sexism, utah, womens rights
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+ add your ownRoy, the word 'Unnecessary' in this case, is subject to interpretation. What he appears to refer to is that (in his opinion) repeat C-sections are 'unnecessary' because they are considered 'elective' - not to mention that he also includes epidurals as 'elective.' Just because a woman agrees with a procedure that her Dr. recommends, offers or suggests, does NOT mean it is necessarily 'elective'. There are MANY reasons a woman might have an elective C-section - sometimes it is the simple fact that some women do not dilate, some birth canals will not allow the baby to pass through, and is usually determined by the first birth that happens out of necessity. Epidurals are necessary when the mother 'feels' it is. Pain level is not something for someone else to determine.
PS - Jane R. - episiotomy is the procedure to prevent tearing.
"But removing the possibility altogether would be very dangerous."
Sure, I don't think anyone anywhere is considering removing the possibility of cesarean sections altogether. What he's talking about is ELECTIVE cesarean sections. How do I know this? I read it in YOUR article.
You and I may agree on the issue over all, but your reporting sucks. It's contradictory, misleading, and condescending. Don't treat your readers like idiots.
I suspect that Liljenquist would not only be for eliminating pain killers for vasectomies, but also against vasectomies in general. After all it's kind of hard to make babies without sperm.
Empress Ginger, you have got to be crazy! C-sections are not elective in most cases! I had to have a C-section because my life and my son's life was in danger! Everyone should be able to get pain relief, no matter what the situation, especially when a person's life is in danger!
You've got to be kidding!!! Now when exactly did he ever give birth--only a man could be so arrogant.
Liljenquist deserves to experience the pain of giving birth—20 times! that bastard
Men should never have the decision-making power over things that are specific to women alone. It's a STFU moment.
It's a cowardly ruse when people propose there are only two ways to solve a problem such as his "Do we save some kid or make birth easier" BS. I'll bet you could give the budget problem to any mom and she'll balance the budget without sacrificing either. Although Mr. Senator might have to lose a nice office, an assistant or his "entertainment" budget. I'm sure there's loads of fluff to chose from.
AMEN Mara!
Women don't choose to have C-Sections and epidurals prevent tearing. Both these procedures are totally unnecessary if you have no womb to carry a baby in. In other words this is only unnecessary for MEN.
Now how about no anesthesia during a vasectomy or in this man's case a lobotomy. Now that is something I certainly can get behind. Will Congress every think male procedures unnecessary?
This guy is an idiot but unfortunately many state Medicaid programs don't pay for epidurals.
On the issue of C-sections I don't think woman have them as a convenience but the rate of C-sections should be study and a rate established as a guideline to encourage doctors to let more women experience natural childbirth if that's there wish.
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