Alarming Surge in Unnecessary Caesareans Threatens Maternal Health

Bangladesh is witnessing a concerning rise in unnecessary caesarean sections during childbirth, a trend that has escalated beyond a medical issue into a full-blown national health crisis. Recent research conducted at Ashulia Women and Children’s Hospital reveals that approximately 1.7 million babies were delivered via caesarean section last year without a medical necessity.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), only about 21% of births should ideally require caesarean delivery. In stark contrast, the rate in Bangladesh has now approached 50%, and the situation is far graver in private hospitals, where nearly 9 out of 10 births are performed through surgical intervention.

Several factors contribute to this alarming trend. Time constraints faced by physicians, the financial interests of private clinics and hospital owners, and the spread of unwarranted fear among expectant mothers all play a role. While natural childbirth is a longer and physiologically complex process, many hospitals and practitioners market caesarean delivery as a faster and more convenient solution. Furthermore, by portraying natural birth as risky and painful, pressure mounts on mothers and families, often leading them to opt for surgery.

The long-term consequences of unnecessary caesarean deliveries are severe. They significantly increase maternal health risks and can compromise neonatal immunity. Financially, the country expends over 50 billion BDT annually on these avoidable procedures, placing heavy economic burdens on middle- and lower-income families.

Experts emphasise that raising public awareness alone is insufficient; stringent administrative measures are essential. Strengthening government oversight of private hospitals and clinics, promoting skilled midwifery, and enhancing facilities for natural childbirth in public hospitals are now urgent priorities.

If the current trajectory continues, specialists warn that by 2030, 90% of hospital births could be driven by commercial rather than medical reasons, posing a serious threat to maternal and child health. Breaking this commercial cycle and prioritising genuine maternal welfare is a matter of national urgency.