New Jersey Better Births - Fewer Cesareans, NJ Has A Cesarean Rate Health Crisis

TO:The State House
Governor Mc Greevey
PO Box 001
Trenton, NJ 08625
609-292-6000


TO:Commissioner Clifton R. Lacy, M.D.
John Fitch Plaza
PO Box 360
Trenton, NJ 08625
Telephone (609) 292-7837
Fax (609) 292-0053

TO: NJ Senator Joseph F. Vitale (D)COMMITTEE CHAIR: Health
DISTRICT OFFICE ADDRESS: 87 Main Street
Woodbridge, NJ 07095
(732) 855-7441
[email protected]


Dear Governor McGreevey, Commissioner Lacy & Senator Vitale

We, the undersigned, voice our concern over the skyrocketing Cesarean section surgery rate in the United States and in New Jersey.
In 2002, more than 1 in 4 babies were born by Cesarean section.

NEW JERSEY HAS A CESAREAN RATE HEALTH CRISIS

The Cesarean section rate of 26.1\% is the highest ever reported in the United States. The Cesarean section rate in New Jersey for 2002 was even higher-at 30.9\% We are the Second Highest in the United States, this far exceeds the national average of 26.1\%, a rate which itself is unacceptably high. There are individual hospitals in New Jersey that have reported even higher Cesarean Rates, some have even been over 40\%.

The World Health Organization states that the Cesarean rate should be no more than 10-15\%. Additionally, the rate of vaginal birth after a previous Cesarean birth (VBAC) has declined by 23\%.

Studies have indicated that a woman is 4-7 times more likely to die as a result of Cesarean surgery than vaginal birth.

Studies also show that babies born by Cesarean surgery are 5 times more likely to be admitted to an intermediate or intensive care nursery.

There are many other risks for both mother and baby associated with Cesarean surgery. Given the increased maternal and infant mortality and morbidity associated with birth by Cesarean versus vaginal birth, the increasing Cesarean section rate is a major public health concern for maternal and infant health.

We are requesting that you Governor McGreevey, Commissioner Lacy & Senator Vitale work together to take steps to address this issue and lower the Cesarean section surgery rate in New Jersey, preserving the option of natural childbirth as the safest option for mothers and babies.

In New Jersey evidence-based medical practices are not being followed to protect the health of women and infants during childbirth; also in New Jersey existing medical associations, hospitals and political policies are not protecting women in childbirth.
We, the undersigned value and support womens lives; We are requesting that you respond to this crisis situation in our State by holding hearings and or appointing a
"New Jersey Cesarean Rate Reduction Commission" - to immediately investigate and address this health crisis. There is a need for the newly formed commission to educate consumers about childbirth providers in our state. Consumers looking for childbirth providers need to be protected and educated about the added risks to both mother and baby if giving birth at a facility that has a high Cesarean section surgery rate. There is a need for monitoring of the Cesarean section surgery rates at each NJ birthing facility on a monthly basis, and for the rates to be publicized each and every month until New Jersey has successfully worked in cooperation with state and national organizations for better Maternity Practices to protect the reproductive rights of women that reside in the State of New Jersey.