From Xinhua via the People’s Daily:
“The ratio of caesarean section births in China has soared to 50 percent, far exceeding the standard of 15 percent set by the World Health Organization, medical experts say.
It is widely believed that one of the reasons for the sharp rise is that doctors recommend C-section delivery to pregnant women to boost their earning power.
“Caesarean sections earn doctors higher profits so doctors tend to persuade pregnant women to have a caesarean,” said a doctor who did not wish to be named.
The C-section, commonly viewed as an emergency procedure, is also being seen as an alternative to the pain associated with natural birth. Many pregnant women see C-section delivery as a pain-free process without any knowledge of the potential consequences.” [Full Text]