The C-Section Epidemic in Pakistan

When medically indicated, the intervention of cesarean section (C-Section) delivery in childbirth saves mothers’ and babies’ lives. However, its medically unnecessary use can have negative future reproductive consequences for the mothers. The most recent report of the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey (PDHS) shows a rapid increase in C-Section delivery rates, from 14% in 2012-13 to 22% in 2017-18. Current rates exceed the World Health Organization recommendations, suggesting that Pakistan is part of a trend worldwide of having C-Sections for non-medical reasons. How did this happen? Let’s talk about it!