The International Cesarean Awareness Network is a non-profit advocacy and support group whose mission is to improve maternal and child health by preventing unnecessary cesareans through education, provide support for cesarean recovery, and promote vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). Every year we give support and information to thousands of women through our main office, local chapters, and email support group. We provide impartial information, based on the latest research, which is easy to access for women and their care providers.
Birth is a normal, natural process for a woman’s body. Given quality emotional support, full information on birth options, and care providers who trust the birth process, 90 to 95 percent (about 9 out of 10) of women can deliver their babies as nature intended, without the need for major surgery. Birth can and should be a time of empowerment, respect and joy. It is a chance for a woman to discover her body’s strength and abilities.
ICAN supports women in finding out their rights and responsibilities regarding birth choices. We work to give women up-to-date, accurate information about their rights. It is every woman’s responsibility to make fully informed decisions about her birth options, just as she will have to for her child’s options later on in life. In order to make decisions, a woman needs to learn about her options from different sources, talk to her chosen care provider, and fully understand the risks and benefits of each option before deciding what is right for her.
Cesareans are the most common surgery for women in North America. The World Health Organization (WHO) has said that there is no medical reason for a country to have cesarean rates over 10 to 15 percent. This means that in countries where the rates are higher, cesareans are being done without a good medical reason, and are unnecessary. Across North America, cesarean rates in many hospitals are as high as 25 to 30 percent, and some are closer to 40 percent. (many are over 40 and approaching 50%) Over half of these cesarean surgeries are not medically necessary.
A cesarean can be lifesaving for mother and baby, but is major surgery with all its risks. When a cesarean is truly lifesaving, the benefits outweigh the risks of major surgery. However, with those that are not medically necessary, the risks far outweigh the benefits. Complications that are more likely with a cesarean than a normal birth include:
Avoiding a Cesarean
