Elective C-Sections Stir Up Controversy

OB/GYN News, Oct 1, 2000 by Greg Borzo

Clearly the profession is divided, and no one interviewed for this story would predict whether C-sections on demand would become common. Dr. Harer noted, however, that the C-section rate in Brazil is 50%-60% and hits 90% in the highest educated, upper-middle class.

"The elective cesarean is...a minority opinion [in the United States], but it's gaining traction," Dr. Freeman said.

                Percent of All Live Deliveries by C-Section
                     And Vaginal Birth After C-Section
     C-Section VBAC
1999   22.0     NA
1998   21.2    26.3
1997   20.8    27.4
1996   20.7    28.3
1995   20.8    27.5
1994   21.2    26.3
1993   21.8    24.3
1992   22.3    22.6
1991   22.6    21.3
1990   22.7    19.9
Source: ACOG