“Cesarean Sections: Between Necessity and Overuse”
Amman, Jordan – UNFPA Jordan, in collaboration with the Health Care Accreditation Council (HCAC), held a discussion workshop titled “Cesarean Sections: Between Necessity and Overuse” to address the increasing rates of unnecessary cesarean deliveries and their impact on maternal health in Jordan. The event was part of national efforts to enhance maternal health services and reduce maternal mortality.
In his opening remarks, Himyar Abdulmoghni, UNFPA Representative in Jordan, emphasized the urgency of addressing the issue, stating, "Maternal health is a cornerstone of public health, yet the rising rates of unnecessary cesarean sections have become a serious challenge, directly impacting maternal mortality in Jordan. The fact that 60% of maternal deaths in Jordan occurred among women who had undergone cesarean sections underscores the urgent need for intervention to ensure that these procedures are performed only when medically necessary."
Maternal health is a cornerstone of public health, yet the rising rates of unnecessary cesarean sections have become a serious challenge, directly impacting maternal mortality in Jordan.
Himyar Abdulmoghni, UNFPA Representative in Jordan
Recent data highlights the alarming rise in cesarean deliveries, reaching 42.8% in 2023, a stark increase from 5.6% in 1990, far exceeding the World Health Organization’s recommended range of 10-15%. The workshop discussions focused on raising awareness among healthcare providers and the public about the risks associated with unnecessary cesarean sections, enhancing medical training to promote evidence-based decision-making in childbirth, and implementing policies that support natural births. Participants also stressed the importance of expanding access to pain relief methods to encourage vaginal deliveries.
Concluding the workshop, participants reaffirmed the need for stronger coordination among healthcare stakeholders to create a safer and more supportive maternal health environment. The discussions underscored the commitment to advancing Jordan’s national goals of reducing maternal mortality and improving the quality of maternal healthcare.
