Evidence catching up with common sense

The historical goal may have been a 15% C-section rate, but those of us who practice common-sense, experience-based medicine never believed it was realistic. I am glad to see that evidence-based medicine is catching up.

Irwin J. Kerber, MD
Dallas, Tex

Dr. Barbieri responds:

A cardinal feature of obstetric practice is the critical role of both clinical expertise and scientific evidence in deciding when to perform a vaginal or cesarean delivery. Our readers’ range of views reflects the breadth of opinions concerning this important clinical decision. I am interested to see how our field evolves over the next 10 years. Will cesarean rates approach 40%? Or will they stabilize in the 30% range?