Caesarean sections accounted for 45% of births in England last year, surpassing natural vaginal births (44%) for the first time as the most common delivery method. Both elective and emergency C-sections reached their highest recorded levels.
The NHS Alliance has stated that up to 20 of the 155 smaller, consultant-led maternity units in the UK may need to close due to safety concerns. These units are predominantly located in rural or coastal regions, where alternative facilities are not readily available.
One midwifery professor, Soo Downe, suggested that women may not believe they will receive adequate support for a safe labour and birth in hospital. This follows a 2025 national maternity investigation which highlighted issues such as toxic workplace cultures and avoidable deaths in 14 trusts.