Cesarean’s For the Wrong Reasons
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“[H]alf of the Cesarean sections performed in the U.S. are unnecessary…decisions concerning the need for Cesarean delivery seem to be influenced more by social, economic, and physicians’ personal reasons, than by medical factors. This is well illustrated by the fact that those women who are at highest risk of pregnancy complications and who would benefit the most from a Cesarean section are the least likely to receive it. On the other hand, indications such as previous Cesarean, slow or difficult labor or delivery, presentation of the rear of the baby at the uterine cervix and fetal distress, are the main reason for performing a C-section, even though these conditions have been least clearly associated with benefits for the fetus and the mother.” Social Science Medicine, 1993