Medically unnecessary cesarean section births: introduction to a symposium

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Public Health
• Global Health

Background:

• Cesarean section rates surged in the U.S. from 4.5% (1965) to 24.1% (1986).
• A significant proportion of cesareans carry risks without proven medical benefits.
• Escalating cesarean rates are a global phenomenon, suggesting an international health concern.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the U.S. experience with medically unnecessary cesarean births to an international audience.
• To encourage global recognition and action on the issue of rising cesarean rates.
• To share insights on trends, causes, consequences, and solutions regarding medically unnecessary cesareans.

Main Methods:

• Review of U.S. trends, causes, consequences, and solutions for medically unnecessary cesarean births.
• Presentation of selected international data on escalating cesarean section rates.
• Symposium contributions focusing on various dimensions of medically unnecessary cesareans, primarily in the U.S.

Main Results:

• The U.S. has experienced a dramatic increase in cesarean section rates.
• Medically unnecessary cesareans present significant risks to mothers, infants, and families.
• International collaboration is needed to address the global rise in cesarean births.

Conclusions:

• A largely uncontrolled international pandemic of medically unnecessary cesarean births is occurring.
• The U.S. experience offers valuable lessons for other nations facing similar challenges.
• Urgent policy and programmatic interventions are required worldwide to curb unnecessary cesarean births.