LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor David A. Paterson to
proclaim April 2010 as Cesarean Awareness Month in the State of New York

WHEREAS, 32.1-36.4 percent of babies born in New York State are deliv-
ered surgically; and
WHEREAS, The World Health Organization recommends a cesarean rate of
no higher than 15 percent, stating that rates above this place mothers
and babies under avoidable risks; and
WHEREAS, Current evidence suggests a safe VBAC (vaginal birth after
cesarean) rate of 70-80 percent, yet only 7.1-7.3 percent of women with
a previous cesarean in New York State have a VBAC; and
WHEREAS, There are at least 25 hospitals in New York State that refuse
women with a previous cesarean their right to access the option of VBAC,
and there are many more facilities with de facto VBAC bans because there
are no care providers who deliver there that will support a trial of
labor after a cesarean; and
WHEREAS, Women who undergo cesarean surgery have increased recovery
time and are subject to increased complications such as increased rates
of unexplained stillbirth, placental abnormalities, and uterine rupture;
and
WHEREAS, The rate of cesarean deliveries is now at a historic high,
and the U.S. ranks next to last in perinatal deaths and last in maternal
deaths compared to all other industrialized countries; and
WHEREAS, While a cesarean can be lifesaving for a mother and baby in
certain circumstances, maternal and child health are improved by
preventing unnecessary cesareans; and
WHEREAS, ICAN, the International Cesarean Awareness Network
(originally CPM-Cesarean Prevention Movement) was formed in Syracuse,
New York, in 1982; and
WHEREAS, ICAN has declared April to be Cesarean Awareness Month; and
WHEREAS, New York women should have access to full and complete infor-
mation on the risks and benefits of vaginal birth and cesarean section
in order to make informed choices about their health care; now, there-
fore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor David A. Paterson to proclaim April 2010 as Cesare-
an Awareness Month in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New
York.