Current practice of cesarean delivery on maternal request following the 2006 state-of-the-science conference.

OBJECTIVE

To determine obstetrician-gynecologists' practice patterns of cesarean delivery on maternal request (CDMR) following the 2006 National Institutes of Health (NIH) State-of-the-Science conference on this topic, and compare them with those in their practice prior to the conference.

STUDY DESIGN

Questionnaires were mailed to 612 American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists fellows who participated in a 2006 preconference survey, with 59% responding. The survey assessed demographic characteristics, practice, attitudes, knowledge regarding potential risks and benefits, counseling practices, and department policies with regards to CDMR.

RESULTS

The majority of obstetrician-gynecologists in our sample continues to believe that a woman has the right to CDMR, but fewer than in 2006 would agree to perform this procedure. In general, obstetrician-gynecologists associate more risks and fewer benefits with CDMR than in 2006.

CONCLUSION

Some physicians have shifted their perception of CDMR risks and benefits since the NIH State-of-the-Science conference; however, practice patterns have not changed significantly.