Caesarean births in U.S. reach 32%, heightening doctor concern

The Caesarean section rate in the United States reached 32% in 2007, the country's highest rate ever, health officials are reporting. Critics say the operation is being performed too often, needlessly exposing women and babies to the risks of major surgery. The ideal rate is not known, but the World Health Organization and health agencies in the United States have suggested 15%. The new report notes that Caesareans pose a risk of surgical complications and are more likely than normal births to cause problems that put the mother back in the hospital and the infant in an intensive-care unit.