International Cesarean Awareness Month April 2023 | Theme & Importance

International Caesarean Awareness Month is a globally recognised and celebrated healthcare event observed every year for the entirety of April month during which various awareness campaigns and activities are conducted by The International Caesarean Awareness Network (ICAN) in promoting maternal-child health by avoiding unnecessary caesareans and encouraging Vaginal Birth After Caesarean (VBAC).

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported the continuous rise in caesarean sections globally, accounting for more than 1 in 5 (21%) childbirths. It is estimated that nearly a one-third (29%) of all births in 2030 are likely to take place through caesarean section assistance.

Although it is a lifesaving surgery, if the caesarean section is performed even when there is no medical need, it can risk the mother and baby's short- and long-term health problems.



ICAN conducts Caesarean Awareness Month each year, during which it sponsors educational interventions that actively engage women in birth planning, such as childbirth preparation workshops, relaxation programmes, etc. ICAN also intends to provide education on psychosocial support for those who are afraid of pain or anxious.

This year 2023, the International Caesarean Awareness Month theme is "You Have Options", which emphasises the rights of birthing females to have informed choices during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. The right to informed decision-making includes Informed Consent and Informed Refusal. 

Informed Consent and Informed Refusal are the provisions of unbiased discussions on the benefits, risks, and alternatives of the proposed treatment/procedure, which can be freely chosen or refused. 

Initiated by the International Caesarean Awareness Network (ICAN) in 1982 by Liz Handler and Esther Zorn, International Caesarean Awareness Month had humble beginnings. It all started with the two mothers (Liz Handler and Esther Zorn) advocating and sharing about VBACs with anyone who would listen. It eventually became the Caesarean Prevention Movement (CPM) group of several members (primarily mothers).



It was in 1992 that CPM changed its name to International Caesarean Awareness Network (ICAN) as a not-for-profit corporation, 100% volunteer-led and operated, with more than 100 local chapters spanning over 200 dedicated leaders across the United States of America.

Some of the non-clinical actions recommended by WHO which can reduce the unnecessary use of caesarean sections are:

• The utilisation of evidence-based clinical recommendations, frequent audits of caesarean section procedures in health institutions, and rapid communication to health professionals regarding audit results.
• Wherever feasible, the caesarean section decisions must be accompanied by a second medical opinion.
• A collaborative midwifery-obstetrician paradigm of care in which the majority of care is delivered by midwives with 24-hour support by a specialist obstetrician.
• Financial solutions that equalise costs for vaginal and caesarean deliveries.