New York Times Examines Device Developed To Aid In Obstructed Labor

The New York Times examines an invention by Jorge Odón, an Argentine car mechanic, which can be employed in the event of obstructed labor “to save babies in poor countries, and perhaps to reduce caesarean section births in rich ones.” The newspaper notes, “With the Odón Device, an attendant slips a plastic bag inside a lubricated plastic sleeve around the head, inflates it to grip the head and pulls the bag until the baby emerges.” The newspaper writes, “Unlikely as it seems, the idea that took shape on [Odón’s] counter has won the enthusiastic endorsement of the [WHO] and major donors, and an American medical technology company has just licensed it for production.” The New York Times adds, “Although more testing is planned on the Odón Device, doctors said it appeared to be safe for midwives with minimal training to use” (McNeil, 11/13).

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