ICAN in USA Today
Cesareans At An All-Time High
The CDC has reported:
- The Cesarean Rate for 2004 is 29.1%
- The Rate is up from 27.6% in 2003
- US Cesareans have risen 40% since 1996
- VBAC Rate fell to 9.2%
- Since 1996, the VBAC rate in the US has plummeted 67%
Read ICAN's Press Release - "Coerced Cesarean Surgeries Feed Growing Nationwide Rate; CDC Reports Highest Ever Cesarean Rate, Loss of VBAC Contributes"
Read CDC Report
Rising Cesarean Rates Bad for Mothers and Babies
As the number of cesarean sections in the U.S. continues to mount, so does the research showing that mothers and babies may be paying a high price for this surgery. Research published just in the last year has highlighted the short-term and long-term risks of undergoing a cesarean, for both mother and baby. Other research has called into question the assumed safety advantage of cesarean section over vaginal birth in various situations including vaginal birth after multiple cesareans and breech deliveries. Everything we know and continue to learn about cesareans supports more judicious use of the surgery, says Tonya Jamois but it is clear that the procedure is being overused. Major pieces of research released in 2006 showed that women who undergo cesareans versus women experiencing a vaginal birth have a higher risk of dying in childbirth, have a higher chance of suffering from potentially fatal placental problems in subsequent pregnancies, and their babies have a higher chance of being injured during surgery. The list of 15 studies that ICAN collected also shows that vaginal birth after cesarean, including multiple cesareans, continues to be a reasonably safe birthing choice for mothers.
2005 Cesarean Rates by Hospital
They're here! The 2005 cesarean rates by Northern Virginia Hospital show the alarming reality that women will face birthing in a hospital today. Being informed consumers is more important now than ever before, with the National Cesarean Rate at 30.2%, and the Northern Virginia rates at over 36% (in 2005). The World Health Organization states that the rate being above 10-15% correlates to unneccessary cesareans being performed. Educated and empowered moms is more important now than ever before! Please e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.