Obstetrician: Several factors behind rising C-section rate

The HSE’s National Women and Infants Health Programme clinical lead Cliona Murphy said 'there are increasing risks with increasing numbers of sections'. File picture

Fear of litigation, growing rates of obesity, and older mothers are among the potential reasons that Ireland’s caesarean section rate is higher than many EU countries, a top obstetrician has suggested.

Maternity advocacy group Aims Ireland has expressed alarm at Ireland’s rising C-section rates, finding that in five out of the 19 maternity units, over 50% of first-time mothers had a C-section.