Hi Kate. I'm sorry, I don't have any written information or links for you. However in everything I have heard about VBAC, I've consistently heard that women who have experienced "classic" cesareans (where the incision runs vertically down the uterus like your friend's tear) are at a far increased risk of rupture - a risk of up to 12% I believe? The midwifery today journal says this type of scar is a contraindication to VBAC. They also acknowledge that there is anecdotal evidence that some women have successfully birthed subsequent babies vaginally, though. But the stats are not great.
Certainly rupture can have devastating consequences for both mother and baby. Possibly your friend's best bet is to research risk of uterine rupture in women who've had previous classic cesareans?
All the best to your friend as she makes this decision.
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