Statistics

See the most recent publicly available aggregate data (2017-2021) on cesarean and VBAC rates per Iowa hospital with a labor and delivery unit. This data was obtained via a public records request of the Iowa Department of Public Health, of which totals of live births, total cesareans, primary cesareans, and VBACs were provided for a five year span (2017-2021). The rates provided are based on the 5 year totals provided. The VBAC and cesarean rates on sheet 1 were calculated based on the calculation method by March of Dimes found here. There is further analysis of these rates on the 2nd spreadsheet tab.

See aggregate Iowa hospital VBAC and cesarean data from 2016-2020 by click here.

See historical hospital and state cesarean data from 2006-2013 by clicking here.

See CDC cesarean and VBAC statistics by state here: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/delivery.htm

Iowa’s cesarean rate in 2019 was 29.6%. Learn more here: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/sosmap/cesarean_births/cesareans.htm

• From 1996 to 2009, the cesarean rate increased almost 60%. The pace of the increase accelerated from 2000 to 2007.
• Cesarean rates increased for births to mothers in all U.S. states, and by more than 70% in six states from 1996 to 2007.

If you find these numbers as alarming as we do, come to a meeting or join Iowa ICAN to see how we can make a difference by working together!