Work

Geographic Variation in Cesarean Sections in the United States: Trends, Correlates, and Other Interesting Facts

Year: 2023

Type: report

Abstract: Analyzing data spanning three decades covering the near universe of births, we study countylevel differences in Cesarean section (C-section) rates among first-time mothers of singleton births.Our research reveals persistent geographic variation in C-section rates for both low-and high-risk groups.Counties with elevated C-section rates consistently perform more C-sections across mothers at all levels of appropriateness for the procedure.These elevated rates of Csection in high C-section counties are associated with reduced maternal and infant morbidity.We also find that C-section decisions are less responsive to underlying risks for Black mothers relative to white mothers, suggesting potential welfare-reducing disparities.

Source: National Bureau of Economic Research

DOI: 10.3386/w31871

Authors: Sarah Robinson, Heather Royer, David Silver

Institutions: Claremont McKenna College, National Bureau of Economic Research, University of California, Santa Barbara

Language: English

Topic: Maternal and Perinatal Health Interventions

Subfield: Obstetrics and Gynecology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W4388841335

Cites: 47

Cited by: 2

Related to: 10