Induction of labour in Black patients

The results of a prospective study of induction of labour in 175 Black patients are presented. They show that induction of labour in Blacks, even when performed with optimal care, is more hazardous than in other population groups, owing to an increased proportion of patients of high parity and an increased prevalence of cephalopelvic disproportion. The factors affecting the outcome of induction, the safety of induction and the criteria for a safer induction are discussed.