New Report Finds Disparities In C-Sections Among Black Patients

A new report confirms the increased likelihood of a Black woman undergoing C-section during childbirth.

A new report confirms recent findings that Black women face an increased likelihood of undergoing C-sections during childbirth.

Leapfrog Group released its 2025 Maternity Care Report, which, for the first time, highlights racial disparities in C-section rates across individual hospitals. According to the report, in 1 out of 5 hospitals Black patients are significantly more likely to undergo a C-section than white patients, even when treated at the same facility.

The report used data from over 2,400 hospitals participating in the Leapfrog Hospital Survey, representing 80% of U.S. hospital beds. Of those, 1,700 provide and report on maternity care.

“We applaud the hospitals that voluntarily make this data available to the public through Leapfrog. Transparency takes courage, and it is the critical first step on the path to real change,” said Leah Binder, Leapfrog’s president and CEO.

The report also showed that while the national NTSV (Nulliparous, Term, Singleton, Vertex) C-section rate remains high at 25.3%, episiotomy rates have significantly decreased, dropping by 73% since Leapfrog began tracking this measure in 2012. Currently, the average episiotomy rate is 3.4%.

Leapfrog evaluated crucial aspects of maternity care, including C-sections, episiotomies, early elective deliveries, and the availability of patient-requested services like doula support and certified midwives.

The states with the highest NTSV C-section rates, according to Leapfrog’s report: Mississippi (28.9%), New York (28.3%), and Massachusetts (27.8%); the lowest rates are found in Nebraska (18.8%), Utah (19.7%), and Idaho (20%).

The report also found that the majority of hospitals provide evidence-based maternity care services, including:

96.1% offer lactation consultants
89.7% allow doulas in labor and delivery
84.1% permit vaginal birth after a C-section (VBAC)
81.6% offer postpartum tubal ligation
61% provide certified midwives in labor and delivery

“We congratulate hospitals on reducing episiotomy rates, which has made a difference for thousands of women and babies,” Binder said. “However, we urge renewed efforts to lower C-section rates and continue improving maternity care for all patients.”

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