Who is responsible for the rising caesarean section rate?

J Obstet Gynaecol. 2002 Jul;22(4):363-5. doi: 10.1080/01443610220141263.

Abstract

In view of the rising trend in caesarean section rates all over the world and women requesting caesarean section without any medical indication, we conducted a questionnaire survey to assess the opinion of clinicians in the field of obstetrics to assess their views regarding this issue. We found that clinicians agree that the caesarean section rates are increasing and most of them hold the media and women responsible for this rising trend. However, in situations where no definite medical indication was evident, most of the clinicians favoured caesarean section. The findings of this study suggest that there is a need for change in the attitude of clinicians before attempting to educate women regarding the caesarean section for non-medical reasons.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attitude of Health Personnel*
  • Cesarean Section / statistics & numerical data*
  • Cesarean Section / trends
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Obstetrics
  • Practice Patterns, Physicians'*
  • Pregnancy
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • United Kingdom