Limited Access to Vaginal Birth After C-Section in U.S. Counties
Research shows that only 16% of U.S. counties offer access to vaginal birth after cesarean, highlighting significant regional disparities and barriers in maternal care.
Recent research from the University of Massachusetts Amherst reveals that only about 16% of U.S. counties offered pregnant individuals the option to attempt vaginal birth after a previous cesarean section (VBAC) between 2016 and 2021. This limited access underscores significant geographic disparities across the country. The study analyzed birth certificate data nationwide, finding that counties with higher availability of obstetric services, particularly in the Northeast and Western regions, had better access. Conversely, large portions of the South and Midwest regions had extremely limited options.
Despite guidelines from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) endorsing VBAC as a reasonable choice for most women with a prior cesarean, access remains low. Factors contributing to this include hospitals lacking specialized staff, inadequate immediate access to surgical intervention, and ongoing concerns about clinical liability. Interestingly, when considering only counties with hospitals that provide obstetric services, access increased to 30%, but still less than a third of these counties offered VBAC options.
The research also noted that while national VBAC rates increased from 12.4% in 2016 to 14.2% in 2021, the proportion of counties where VBAC is available did not grow correspondingly. This suggests that VBAC gains are occurring mainly in areas where it was already an option, rather than expanding to new regions.
Furthermore, the challenges are compounded by historical shifts in clinical guidelines and provider comfort levels, largely influenced by concerns over liability in cases of adverse outcomes. Ensuring broader access to VBAC could lead to benefits such as shorter recovery times, fewer infections, and reduced risks in future pregnancies.
This study highlights the urgent need for policy and institutional changes to improve access to vaginal birth after cesarean, ultimately supporting better maternal health outcomes across the United States.
Stay Updated with Mia's Feed
Get the latest health & wellness insights delivered straight to your inbox.
Related Articles
Remote Healthcare Accelerates Access to Essential Medications for Heart Failure Patients
A groundbreaking study shows remote digital programs can help heart failure patients access vital medications faster and more efficiently, improving outcomes without increasing hospital visits.
Barriers to Adopting Healthy Lifestyles Among Teens Revealed in Recent Study
A recent study uncovers the structural barriers such as poverty, discrimination, and mental health issues that hinder teenagers' access to healthy diets and physical activity, emphasizing the need for systemic reforms to promote youth well-being.
Calling for Cultural Shift to Reduce Burnout in Pharmacy Education
A recent study highlights the urgent need for cultural change in pharmacy education to address faculty burnout and improve workplace support, emphasizing tailored strategies and ongoing interventions.