Table 2 Key themes and sub-themes from the thematic analysis of articles

1. Information about cesarean sections

1.1 Vaginal birth as a better option than cesarean section

Any comparison between vaginal birth and cesarean sections in which the former is portrayed as a preferable option

“(vaginal birth) is less risky for the mom”

1.2 Advice for recovery

Any advice regarding after care and recovery from cesarean sections

“Avoid sudden movements”

1.3 Consequences for women

Any mentioned of risks and consequences of cesarean women affecting the health or wellbeing of women

“Risk of bleeding, infection and organ failure”

1.4 Consequences for babies

Any mention of risks and consequences of cesarean section affecting the health or wellbeing of babies

“Increased risk of asthma, allergies and obesity”

1.5 Cesarean section as a lifesaving procedure

Any case in which cesarean section saved the life of woman or baby

“Performed post-mortem cesarean section and managed to save baby”

2. Inequality and violence against women

2.1 Violation of reproductive rights

Any violation to the rights of women related to reproduction such as access to adequate reproduction health services, respect of bodily autonomy and consent for medical procedures or treatment regarding reproduction

“During the surgical procedure (cesarean section) they placed an Intrauterine device (IUD) without her consent”

2.2 Discrimination

Any type of discrimination against women due amongst others to their ethnicity, Indigenous status, income, education, migration status, or gender

“Mexican immigrant handcuffed during childbirth”

2.3 Objectification

Any reference where the female body is seen as an object

“Show your cesarean section scar and get free beer!”

2.4 Women’s worth

Any reference to women’s worth being affected after having a cesarean section

“Pregnant women are less of a mother when they deliver through cesarean section”

2.5 Body Image

Any reference to cesarean section or pregnancy affecting body image

“She doesn’t want a scar to stop her from looking perfect”

2.6 Sexual violence

Any type of sexual abuse or harassment against women or girls

“36-year-old man likely responsible of statutory rape of her 13-year-old niece”

2.7 Bodily harm

The physical harm or death of women due to deliberate violence against them

“25-year-old pregnant woman died in hospital…her brother sprayed her with gasoline and set her on fire”

3. Governance failure

3.1 Medical negligence

Any medical malpractice during cesarean section resulting in injury or harm to woman or baby

“Woman visited hospital for a cesarean section, suffered from second degree burns in her legs after surgery”

3.2 Impunity

Any stance where people or institutions responsible for human rights violations are not held accountable by the justice system

“Anesthesiologist found responsible of not watching oxygen levels of woman during cesarean section contested the charges and walked free”

3.3 Unnecessary cesarean section

Any mention of cesarean sections being unnecessary or exceeding the appropriate rates

“Half of Mexicans are born through cesarean sections”