We mark the 200th anniversary of the first documented caesarean section in which both mother and baby survived, performed by Dr James Barry, who was born in Cork. Although Barry lived publicly as a man, historical evidence indicates that he was physically a woman — a fact that remained undisclosed throughout his career. This anniversary offers an opportunity to reflect on how maternity care has evolved and how research, clinical practice and lived experience continue to shape outcomes for women and babies.
To commemorate this milestone, we are hosting a national conference exploring the history and development of caesarean section, infection prevention and neonatal outcomes, gender and representation in medicine, women’s birth choices and experiences, and current trends in rising caesarean section rates in Ireland. A contributor with lived experience of caesarean birth will share their story to ensure discussions remain grounded in patient perspectives.
The main conference will take place at University College Cork on 25 June 2026 and will be delivered in a hybrid format to support participation from healthcare professionals, service managers, policymakers and researchers.
Dr James Barry’s life and career were closely connected to three cities — Cork, Edinburgh and Cape Town. In recognition of this, the University of Edinburgh will host a complementary virtual session in the morning of 26 June, and Stellenbosch University, Cape Town will host an afternoon session, each reflecting on maternity care in their own contexts. The event will conclude with a shared tri-site panel discussion, bringing together participants across all three locations.
The funding requested in this application relates solely to the Cork-based components of the event.
Through shared learning and discussion, the conference aims to support evidence-informed care, encourage collaboration, and identify priorities for future research and service development. Recorded talks and key messages will be made publicly available.