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Date Submitted
2015
Research Mentor and Department
Dr. Leonard Lewis Wall, Department of Anthropology
Restricted/Unrestricted
Restricted
Abstract
Birth is both one of the most routine and most miraculous events in any society. All around the world, childbirth is influenced by culture, superstition, and ritual. Women’s perspectives on delivery methods and the birth process as a whole are influenced by prevailing cultural notions, local health beliefs, and relationships.
According to the CDC, 32.7% of all babies in the United States were delivered by Cesarean in 2013. However, the World Health Organization recommends that no more than 10-15% of all deliveries be Cesarean. What causes this discrepancy?