biostudies-literatureUnknown31(8)de Oliveira VHCaesarean section (C-section) rates continue to rise globally. Yet, there is little consensus about the key determinants of rising C-section rates and the sources of variation in C-section rates across the world. While C-sections can save lives when medically justified, unnecessary surgical procedures can be harmful for women and babies. We show that a state-wide law passed in São Paulo (Brazil), which increased women's autonomy to choose to deliver via C-section even when not medically necessary, is associated with a 3% increase in overall C-section rates. This association was driven by a 5% increase in primary C-sections, rather than repeated C-sections. Since the law emphasizes women's autonomy, these results are consistent with mothers' demand being an important contributor to high C-section rates in this context.Health economics1800-1804https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC9545260biostudies-literatureThe effect of increasing Women's autonomy on primary and repeated caesarean sections in Brazil.PMC9545260Lee IQuintana-Domeque Cde Oliveira VHfalseThe effect of increasing Women's autonomy on primary and repeated caesarean sections in Brazil.Caesarean section (C-section) rates continue to rise globally. Yet, there is little consensus about the key determinants of rising C-section rates and the sources of variation in C-section rates across the world. While C-sections can save lives when medically justified, unnecessary surgical procedures can be harmful for women and babies. We show that a state-wide law passed in São Paulo (Brazil), which increased women's autonomy to choose to deliver via C-section even when not medically necessary, is associated with a 3% increase in overall C-section rates. This association was driven by a 5% increase in primary C-sections, rather than repeated C-sections. Since the law emphasizes women's autonomy, these results are consistent with mothers' demand being an important contributor to high C-section rates in this context.2022-01-01T00:00:00Z2022 Aug2024-11-12T02:42:13.842Z2024-11-12T02:42:13.842ZS-EPMC95452603560771510.1002/hec.4522