Azerbaijan is witnessing a sharp rise in cesarean deliveries, raising concerns among health experts. According to the statistical report Healthcare, Social Protection, and Housing Conditions in Azerbaijan, 69,913 C-sections were performed in 2024, compared to 66,584 in 2023.
The long-term trend is striking: in 2010, only 22,746 such surgeries were recorded. By 2015, that number more than doubled to 45,942, and by 2020 it reached 49,897. Out of 101,066 births registered in 2024, just 74,563 occurred naturally.
Gynecologist Tarana Hasanova warned that Azerbaijan is among the fastest-growing countries in the world for C-section rates.
“Today, three out of four babies are born via cesarean section. Unfortunately, these surgeries outnumber natural births. There are several reasons: some doctors prefer the procedure because it’s faster and easier than hours of labor monitoring,” she explained.
However, Dr. Hasanova points to parents as the main drivers behind the surge:
“Many mothers insist on C-sections even when not medically necessary. Some even change doctors or hospitals to get the procedure, citing friends’ experiences,” she said.
The gynecologist stressed that natural childbirth remains a vital physiological process:
“Natural delivery helps the mother’s body recover quickly and promotes faster lactation, essential for newborn nutrition. In contrast, C-section patients face longer recovery times and potential complications,” Hasanova concluded.
