Caesarean section rates are too high in Latin America

Rates of caesarean sections in many Latin American countries exceed the 15% suggested as acceptable by the World Health Organisation. In an ecological study, Belizán et al estimate that over 850 000 unnecessary caesarean sections are performed in these countries each year (p 1397). They found that rates were higher in private than public hospitals, although better off women are generally at lower obstetric risk. The rate of caesarean section was related to higher gross national product per capita and other socioeconomic indicators.

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Relevant Article

Rates and implications of caesarean sections in Latin America: ecological study • Commentary: all women should have a choice • Commentary: increase in caesarean sections may reflect medical control not women's choice • Commentary: "health has become secondary to a sexually attractive body"

José M Belizán, Fernando Althabe, Fernando C Barros, Sophie Alexander, Elaine Showalter, Anne Griffin, Arachu Castro, and Hilda Bastian
BMJ 1999 319: 1397-1402. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]