Social science & medicine
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Cesarean section rates have risen dramatically in the U. S. over the past 20 years. Although infant mortality has declined during the same period, there is little evidence that more frequent cesarean surgery is the cause. ⋯ The development of neonatal intensive care, expanded access to prenatal care, and greater availability of abortion and family planning have contributed more to falling infant mortality. It has been estimated that approximately half the cesareans currently performed in the U. S. are medically unnecessary, resulting in considerable avoidable maternal mortality and morbidity, and a cost of over $1 billion each year.