Germany's Cesarean Birth Rate Reaches Record High of 32.6%

The rising rate is influenced by medical, cultural, and regional factors, with many procedures deemed unnecessary.

In 2023, 32.6% of hospital births in Germany were cesarean sections, more than double the rate from 1991.
Regional disparities show higher cesarean rates in western states like Saarland (36.4%) compared to eastern states like Saxony (25.6%).
Medical reasons, such as complications or risks to mother and child, account for only about 10% of cesareans, while most are based on relative risk assessments.
Factors like older maternal age, higher rates of obesity, and fear of legal repercussions for doctors contribute to the increase in cesarean procedures.
Experts highlight both benefits, such as safer deliveries in high-risk cases, and drawbacks, including potential health risks for mothers and babies.