Michigan C-section rate higher than national average

The rate of cesarean births in Michigan is higher than the national average, according to new data.

Why it matters: The rates are increasing and well above the 10%-15% rate that the WHO considers " ideal ."

By the numbers: In Michigan, the 2023 C-section rate was 33.3%, according to provisional CDC data. That's nearly 33,000 births out of a total of around 99,000.

• It's up slightly from 33.1% in 2022.

Zoom out: The national C-section delivery rate increased in 2023 to 32.4%, up from 32.1% in 2022, according to provisional CDC numbers.

• That's the highest rate since 2013, and the fourth annual increase after the rate generally declined from 2009-2019, says the CDC.

Yes, but: An increase in C-sections doesn't necessarily mean the rate of unnecessary procedures has risen — there are other factors at play.

Patients are sicker overall.

• With conditions like gestational diabetes and hypertensive disorders in pregnancy on the rise , there could be a greater need for C-sections, says Jane van Dis, OB-GYN and assistant professor at the University of Rochester.

Between the lines: Hospital politics might also come into play.

• Health care system reimbursements for C-sections are generally higher than for vaginal births.

What we're watching: Expanding access to doula care — as new legislation in New York does — could lower the rates of C-sections.