People keep asking me why I’m choosing to have a caesarean – here are my reasons | Sharon Gaffka

Why This Matters

Key context: <p>This isn’t an argument against vaginal birth, and caesareans aren’t without risk. But in the context of failing maternity services, it gives me the greatest sense of calm</p><ul><li><p>Sharon Gaffka is a reality TV star and political activist</p></li></ul><p>One thing nobody really prepares you for when you’re pregnant is how interested everyone suddenly becomes in your body. People ask if you’re planning on breastfeeding. Whether you’ll have an epidural. If you’re hoping for a water birth. Whether you’ll “try naturally”.</p><p>I’ve chosen to have a caesarean, and now that I’m getting closer to my due date, the question I get asked most is: <em>“</em>why?<em>” </em>The answer is because I want to.</p><p>Sharon Gaffka is a reality TV star and political activist</p><p><em><strong>Do you have an opinion on the issues raised in this article? If you would like to submit a response of up to 300 words by email to be considered for publication in our<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/tone/letters"> letters</a> section, please <a href="mailto:guardian.letters@theguardian.com?body=Please%20include%20your%20name,%20full%20postal%20address%20and%20phone%20number%20with%20your%20letter%20below.%20Letters%20are%20usually%20published%20with%20the%20author%27s%20name%20and%20city/town/village.%20The%20rest%20of%20the%20information%20is%20for%20verification%20only%20and%20to%20contact%20you%20where%20necessary.">click here</a>.</strong></em></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/jul/07/chosen-caesarean-ockenden-amos-reports">Continue reading...</a> This development from The Guardian highlights ongoing changes in the sector.