title: The case against elective cesarean section.
abstract: Prominent American and British obstetricians have been advocating for performing more Cesareans. They argue that Cesarean section is as safe or nearly as safe as vaginal birth, eliminates pelvic floor damage and the consequent symptoms caused by vaginal birth, is safer for the infant, and is desired by many women; however, abundant evidence in the medical literature refutes the validity of those claims.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Goer
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001720:Birth Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000401:mortality / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017558:Elective Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000401:mortality / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008119:Lobbying; D008428:Maternal Mortality; D009017:Morbidity; D009656:North America / Q000453:epidemiology; D009774:Obstetrics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome / Q000453:epidemiology; D012449:Safety; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D014596:Uterine Prolapse / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D016064:Vaginal Birth after Cesarean / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000401:mortality / Q000706:statistics & numerical data