C-sections soar while disparities persist

The number of babies born through C-section has nearly doubled since 2000, to about 1 in 5 live births around the world, according to a new study in the Lancet. C-sections can be lifesaving for women and newborns, but there are wide disparities between low- and high-income nations. About 60 percent of high-income countries overuse them — exceeding a medically required estimate of 1 in 10 deliveries — but in 25 percent of low-income countries the procedure is unavailable or underused for many women who need them.

And in a first, the WHO just issued guidelines to reduce unnecessary C-sections, recommending education for women and families; audits for health professionals; and, in settings with adequate resources, a second opinion before the procedure can take place.