Monterrey, C-Section Capital of Mexico: Examining the Ethical Dimensions

Cesarean sections are one of the most commonly performed surgical operations worldwide. Though evidence suggests that non-medically indicated cesarean sections raise the health risks for mothers and their babies and result in increased costs of health care compared with vaginal deliveries, reports are common that the frequency of performance of this surgical procedure is far above WHO recommendations. Of special concern has been the current increase of cesarean delivery rates in some Latin American countries. Here we focus on Monterrey, Mexico, a city that has one of the highest rates of cesarean deliveries in the world. We explore aspects that relate to the practice of cesarean section that might shed light on determining why Monterrey has become the capital of cesarean sections.