Providers are ordering cesarean sections at the rate of 27.6%,
almost 3 times the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended level.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) states that the cesarean rate for the United States is currently 27.6% (up from 5% in the 1970s). Of these 27 cesareans per 100 laboring women, 9–10 are medically necessary (the WHO recommended rate) and 5–6 are requested by the mom.

This leaves 10–11 unnecessary cesareans that are provider-initiated for no other reason than personal convenience or pressure from the hospital to increase revenue.

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