Andy,
 
> I've been following the thread with some interest because a c-section
> became necessary for the safe delivery of my daughter. I was surprised to
> see talk of elective caesarians because I know that our hospital would
> not consider it unless it was absolutely necessary (a policy that I agree
> with, for whatever that's worth coming from a man ;-)
 
You just need nothing other than comparing the USA for example with the EU
countries whose medical facilities are at he same levels.
 
The number of C-sections in the US is considerably higher. For certain
areas it goes up to 30% of all childbirths while for the EU it is something
like between 0 and 5%.
 
Also the geographical spread in the US is interesting where percentage-wise
in large urban areas there are more.
 
Also the ethnic spread where percentage wise more Caucasian women have
C-sections than African-Americans, Native Americans and Mexican Americans
just to name these.
 
 \%/{at}rd

--- D'Bridge 2.64