[IS FEAR FROM MALPRACTICE CLAIMS AGAINST OBSTETRICIANS POSSIBLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE RISE IN THE RATE OF CESAREAN SECTIONS?]

INTRODUCTION: In recent years there is a growing local, as well as global, tendency among obstetricians to end labor by cesarean section in various circumstances. Current literature suggests that the leading factor for this preference is closely related to the amount of malpractice allegations submitted against obstetricians. The extensive use of cesarean sections has its toll in reducing the skills of future obstetricians in handling breech, instrumental and vaginal delivery after cesarean section and vaginal delivery of twins, and other types of deliveries. The acceptance of the absolute autonomy of the parturient on her body, combined with rising prevalence of a cesarean section upon maternal request, has further added to the use of cesarean sections. In the present review, various aspects that led to the rise in the numbers of cesarean sections performed are discussed.