WHO: One in two births in China delivered by C-section

A survey by the World Health Organization (WHO) found that there is an "epidemic" of Cesarean sections in China, state media reported. Nearly half of births in China are delivered by C-section, and more than a quarter of the procedures are medically unnecessary, the survey claims. According to unnamed experts, the phenomenon is driven by two factors. First, many Chinese women are unaware of the risks a C-section poses to an infant, in particular the risk of long-term respiratory problems, and therefore choose a C-section because it is quicker and allows them to pick an auspicious birth day.  Second, maternity hospitals are motivated to encourage unnecessary C-sections because they earn more than twice as much in fees from C-section surgery than from natural birth. The WHO believes a 15% C-section rate is reasonable