Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Medical Ethics
• Sociology of Health

Background:

• Obstetric violence is a recognized issue in Mexico.
• The increasing rate of cesarean sections (C-sections) over vaginal deliveries prompts critical examination of decision-making factors.
• Existing literature often overlooks the connection between C-section practices and obstetric violence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the evolution of C-section conceptions in Mexican medical journals over recent decades.
• To understand the medical and non-medical reasons behind the rising C-section rates.
• To identify potential profiles of women undergoing C-sections and the emergence of risk discourse.

Main Methods:

• Content analysis of articles from two prominent Mexican journals: Salud Pública de México and Género y Salud en Cifras.
• Examination of research trends and discourse surrounding C-section practices over time.

Main Results:

• Research on the increase in C-sections and non-medical influencing criteria has gained prominence.
• The analyzed journals infrequently link C-section discussions to the concept of obstetric violence.
• A growing discourse frames C-section candidacy as a risk factor, even without clear medical necessity.

Conclusions:

• The discourse surrounding C-sections in Mexico is evolving, with increasing attention to non-medical factors and risk assessment.
• There is a need to more explicitly connect rising C-section rates and associated practices to the framework of obstetric violence.
• The medicalization of childbirth through C-sections, particularly when not medically indicated, warrants further scrutiny within the context of patient rights and obstetric care quality.