Chinese Mothers Demand Cesareans

Research from the May issue of Obstetrics and Gynecology indicates that mothers from Southeast China are requesting cesareans without a medical reason.

The issue of cesarean delivery on maternal request (CDMR) or elective cesareans without an indicated risk, has been one that seems to have growing attention worldwide. From celebrities to average women across many cultures, cesareans on maternal request appear to be increasing.

Research over a 12 year period in 21 countries in Southeast China indicates an increase in cesareans from 22% in 1994 to 56% in 2006. The greatest contributor to the overall cesarean rate, experts believe, is the rising numbers of cesareans on maternal request. This statistic of CDMR has shyrocketed from .8% to 22% from 1994 to 2006.

Interestingly, the requests for elective cesareans were not dependent on the mother's age, hospital of choice or occupation.

One has to wonder why we are seeing this trend in other countries and how we have come so far from recognizing the benefit of vaginal birth as our bodies were designed for.

Brenda