Disparities in Maternal Outcomes: Higher Risks for Marginalized Groups in Planned Repeat C-Sections

Recent research from the University of Massachusetts Amherst highlights significant racial and ethnic disparities in maternal health outcomes, specifically among people with previous cesarean sections. The study found that Black and Latinx individuals undergoing planned repeat cesarean deliveries experience higher rates of severe maternal morbidity (SMM)—a range of serious complications that can have lasting health impacts—compared to White individuals.

Severe maternal morbidity includes 21 adverse events such as heart attacks, hysterectomy, kidney failure, sepsis, and anesthesia complications. According to the CDC, SMM rates have been rising in the U.S., emphasizing the importance of understanding underlying factors contributing to these disparities.

The study analyzed data from 72,836 births in Massachusetts between 2012 and 2021, which involved women with prior cesarean deliveries. It revealed that when a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) was successful, SMM rates were similar across racial groups. However, for planned repeat cesareans, Black and Latinx women faced significantly higher risks of severe complications than their White counterparts.

Unplanned repeat cesareans—where labor begins naturally, but a cesarean is performed unexpectedly—were associated with the highest SMM rates across all groups, with no significant racial differences.

Researchers suggest that these disparities may stem from differences in the quality of care, which can be affected by resource availability, institutional practices, and systemic racism. Attanasio, a lead author, emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to improve healthcare quality and promote equity, especially for marginalized populations.

This study underscores the urgency for healthcare systems to address these disparities and ensure all birthing individuals receive high-quality, equitable care to reduce adverse maternal outcomes.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-sections-marginalized-groups-maternal-complications.html