十九世紀末台灣的剖腹產

Cesarean sections in Taiwan at the end of the 19th century

本文探討台灣19世紀末剖腹產的歷史背景及其醫療發展。台灣當時婦女面臨懷孕與生產的高度風險，許多難產案例記載了母子雙亡的情況。隨著西方醫學傳入，剖腹產逐漸在台灣被引入，1899年有記載的首例由女醫師宋伊莉莎白執行的剖腹產手術，象徵台灣產科醫療的重大突破。19世紀台灣的醫療主要依賴漢醫與民間療法，產科醫療技術相對落後。隨著西方傳教士與醫師來台，現代醫學逐漸普及。宋伊莉莎白是台灣第一位女醫師，對於改善婦女生產醫療有重要貢獻。

This article explores the historical background and medical development of cesarean sections in late 19th-century Taiwan. At that time, women in Taiwan faced significant risks during pregnancy and childbirth, with many cases of difficult births resulting in the deaths of both mother and child. As Western medicine was introduced, cesarean sections gradually became practiced in Taiwan. In 1899, the first recorded cesarean section was performed by female physician Dr. Elizabeth Ferguson, marking a significant breakthrough in obstetric care in Taiwan. In the 19th century, Taiwan’s medical practices largely relied on traditional Chinese medicine and folk remedies, and obstetric techniques were relatively underdeveloped. With the arrival of Western missionaries and doctors, modern medicine slowly spread. Dr. Ferguson, Taiwan's first female physician, made significant contributions to improving maternal healthcare.