Caesarean Births in U.S. Hit All-Time High

[The Straight Story]

Caesarean Births in U.S. Hit All-Time High


One third of all women giving birth in the United States are undergoing Caesarean sections as part of delivery, the highest rate ever for the country. The 32% Caesarean rate has alarmed many health experts who question the need for the procedure among so many mothers.

While C-sections are necessary in many instances, performing the surgery has its risks, such as causing the uterus to rupture and resulting in dangerous abnormalities in the placenta during later pregnancies.

Various reasons have been offered to explain why Caesarean births have steadily gone up since 1996. But one of the most alarming has to do with malpractice. Obstetricians are increasingly recommending C-sections to limit their liability in lawsuits. One survey of obstetricians revealed 29% of doctors were performing more Caesareans because they feared getting sued.

The 32% Caesarean rate in the U.S. is not the highest in the world. That distinction goes to China and Puerto Rico, where the rate is approaching 50%. The World Health Organization and some U.S. health agencies have suggested the rate should be around 15%.

http://www.allgov.com/Controversies/ViewNews/Caesarean_Births_in_US_Hit_All_Time_High_100325

[Oregone]

1. Funny how all these women's pelvises have shrunk in but a few decades of evolution

But what has gotten larger? Hospital profits

[uppityperson]

2. And malpractice insurance premiums. Many old OB/GYN docs can't afford

the premiums so are giving up the OB part, leaving that to surgeons who also do OB, leading to more cesareans.