Curb those Cesareans: W.H.O.
In 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a statement about the high global rate of cesarean deliveries.1 Medically necessary C-sections can be exceedingly beneficial for the mother and baby and rates of 10%, but no more than 15% should be the goal.
If the rate of C-sections is higher than 10% in populations with moderate to high incomes, there is no proof that death rates are reduced. No evidence exists that demonstrates benefits of C-sections in mothers or infants if they were not medically necessary. Furthermore, C-sections pose short-and long-term risks, including the likelihood of future C-sections with higher rates of complications in later pregnancies.
Reference
WHO, HRP. Statement on cesarean section rates. (2015, April.)