Faith, Belief, and Maternal Health: The Controversy of Cesarean Sections

Faith, Belief, and Maternal Health: The Controversy of Cesarean Sections

By: Moninkanola Ogidan

In Nigeria, childbirth is not just a medical event—it is deeply intertwined with faith, tradition, and societal expectations.

While modern medicine has made childbirth safer, many women still face life-threatening complications due to the rejection of cesarean sections.

Religious and cultural beliefs often fuel this resistance, sometimes at the cost of a mother’s life.

In this report, “Faith, Belief, and Maternal Health”, we explored this complex issue, featuring real voices from the streets of Akure who shared their views on why some still resist C-sections, while others advocate for saving lives at all costs.

To understand the impact of these beliefs, we had a sit-down with Dr. Wilson Ikubuese, a family physician in Akure, who shared his experiences handling cases where families refuse cesarean sections due to their faith. But this isn’t just a medical debate; religious leaders also play a crucial role in shaping public perceptions.

In our documentary, we heard from both sides: a pastor who stands firmly against C-sections and another who believes faith and medical science must work hand in hand. Their perspectives reveal the deep divide in how faith influences medical decisions.

As maternal mortality remains a critical issue, this documentary sparks an important conversation on faith, medical ethics, and the urgent need to prioritize the lives of mothers and their children.

What should come first? Belief or survival?

Watch Faith, Belief, and Maternal Health to hear powerful testimonies and uncover the realities of this ongoing controversy.

Click [here] to watch now.