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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Cynthia A. Pearson, National Women's Health Network, 514 Tenth Street, NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20004, 202 347 1140, cpearson@womenshealthnetwork.org

American obstetricians have long been comfortable with a cesarean section rate that would be considered unacceptably high in many other countries. Efforts to reduce the number of medically unnecessary surgical deliveries, as recommended in multi-disciplinary public health guidelines, have had only limited success. Some obstetricians defend high rates of c-sections by arguing that surgical deliveries are safer for babies and result in better long-term gynecological health for mothers. More recently, the professional association of obstetricians (ACOG) declared that it was ethically acceptable for obstetricians to perform a cesarean section at the request of the pregnant woman. Media coverage of the issue has featured women who want a cesarean section because they believe it is safer than vaginal delivery, as well as more being more predictable. However, cesarean sections are not without risk, and looked at in aggregate are significantly more risky to both mother and baby than are vaginal deliveries. This talk will examine the benefits and risks of both types of delivery, and will compare this evidence with the information typically shared with pregnant women. The author will also consider whether or not more women truly are delivering via elective cesarean sections and will explore alternative explanations for this phenomenon.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this presentation the participants will be able to
• Identify recent trends in childbirth, including cesarean delivery on maternal request
• Articulate positions of various professional societies, consumer groups and national public health goals relevant to childbirth
• Formulate balanced educational materials about maternal choice in childbirth

Keywords: Pregnancy Outcomes, Women's Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No