C-section delivery rates in the U.S. in 2023, by state

Mississippi leads the nation in cesarean section rates, with 38 percent of all live births delivered via C-section in 2023. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of 32.3 percent. The high prevalence of C-sections raises important questions about maternal health care and medical decision-making in different states.

Age and ethnicity influence C-section rates

Demographic factors play a crucial role in the likelihood of cesarean deliveries. Maternal age significantly impacts C-section rates, with mothers aged 40 to 54 experiencing a 47.7 percent rate compared to just 18.9 percent for those under 20. Additionally, ethnic disparities persist, with non-Hispanic Black women consistently having higher C-section rates than other groups. The gap between non-Hispanic Black and non-Hispanic White women has widened from two percent in 2007 to nearly six percent by 2023.

Financial implications of C-sections

The cost of cesarean deliveries varies widely depending on insurance status and location. In 2023, the national median cost for an insured, in-network C-section was 16,943 U.S. dollars. However, for uninsured patients or those using out-of-network services, the median charge more than doubled to 37,653 U.S. dollars. New Jersey topped the charts for both insured and uninsured C-section costs, with median values of 26,900 U.S. dollars and 52,500 U.S. dollars respectively.