Delays in Caesarean Sections: Lessons Learned from Canadian Medico-legal Obstetrical Case Files

Key Points This study analyzes medico-legal cases to identify patterns of delay in urgent and emergent Caesarean births in Canada. It highlights the interplay between clinical decision-making, communication failures, and systemic limitations. Findings contribute to the literature by offering a real-world lens on obstetric care breakdowns often missed in traditional audits. Clinical Implications Regular training in FHR interpretation and application of escalation protocols should be encouraged in all birthing units. Communication breakdowns were common among medico-legal cases, and obstetric teams may benefit from the implementation of structured communication models. Team training in institutional preparedness, including simulation training when available, may help to support safe obstetric care, especially in non-urban and resource-constrained settings.