Doctors warned of millennium births

Doctors warned of millennium births

BANGKOK (AP): Thailand's Health Ministry has warned doctors they could end up in jail if they perform Caesarean operations to time baby births with the onset of the new millennium.

The warning came amid reports that some mothers wanted to have their babies born as close as possible to the turn of the century.

"Doctors should not do so even though they might be pressured from parents-to-be," said ministry Deputy Permanent Secretary Supachai Khunaratanaphreuk.

He said Caesarean birth is recommended only when necessary for the survival of the mother and the baby since it involves risks and can lead to medical complications.

The new millennium is not being heralded in Thailand with the same fanfare as in the West, as most Thais are Buddhists and the Christian year 2000 is 2543 in the Buddhist calendar. However, a number of public festivities are planned and New Year's Day is an official holiday.