A recent report shows that the rate of Caesarian sections is rising. C-sections account for almost one-third of all births in the United States. A disparity between races is apparent in the report's findings.
The National Center for Health Statistics and the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health published the report, called "Annual Summary of Vital Statistics: 2008," in December 2010. It states that the rate of C-sections has grown by 56 percent since 1996.
While the rate of C-sections (as opposed to vaginal deliveries) was 31 percent for Hispanic women and 32 percent for white women, black women were at the top of the range with 34.5 percent.
Reasons Behind the Increase
The higher cost of a C-section means higher profits for hospitals. In addition, some doctors may be risk averse, choosing to take what they see as a safer route even when it is not medically necessary. The truth is, however, that C-sections have a higher rate of complications than vaginal births. For women who do not need C-sections, therefore, the risk may not be appropriate.
The precise cause of African-American women's higher C-section rates is unknown. Obesity is likely to be a factor: more black women are obese than white or Hispanic women, and obesity increases pregnancy complications. C-sections often accompany difficult pregnancies.
Diabetes, which can be caused by obesity, could play a part in the high number of C-sections for black women, but it does not fully account for the difference.
Disparity in Prenatal Care?
Black women have a higher rate of C-sections even when they are having low-risk pregnancies. This may point to a difference in the quality of prenatal care for black women or a discrepancy in their access to care.
With patient and child safety at issue when unnecessary C-sections are performed, it is hoped that the new health care laws will improve access to prenatal care. With better care upfront, overall health care costs should decline. Birth outcomes should improve and birth injuries decrease.
How an Attorney Can Help
If you or your child suffered injuries due to a health care provider's negligence during delivery, you may have a legal claim. Speak with an experienced South Carolina medical malpractice attorney who can explain the legal process and help you determine how to go forward.
