Member States, policy-makers and experts from 19 countries gathered at a WHO meeting in Tbilisi, Georgia, to agree on how to reduce unnecessary caesarean sections (C-sections) in the WHO European Region.

The use of C-sections to deliver babies has increased dramatically over the past 20 years and, according to doctors, is reaching epidemic proportions. Unbiased, evidence-based information is needed to guide women and obstetricians to optimize their use of C-sections.

Presentations from countries across the Region revealed enormous differences in C-section rates – from 7% to 51% – with worrying trends. While national rates for C-sections between 2010 and 2015 remained below 20% in parts of northern Europe, they increased to 50% and over in several countries in south-eastern Europe.

These striking differences in C-section rates across Europe raise questions about their impact on short-term, but also longer-term, maternal and child health. They also underscore differences in the approaches that countries of Europe have taken to managing childbirth.

I had the opportunity to give the following Keynote on “Reducing Unnecessary Caesarean Sections”.