International Cesarean Awareness Month

Cesarean Awareness Month is crucial for maternal health because it raises awareness about the risks associated with unnecessary cesareans, promotes informed decision-making, and advocates for respectful maternity care, ultimately striving to reduce unnecessary cesarean sections and improve outcomes for both mothers and babies.

The key goals of International Cesarean Awareness Month (ICAM) are to educate, empower, and reduce unnecessary cesareans globally. ICAM aims to promote informed decision-making during pregnancy and childbirth, advocate for respectful maternity care, and raise awareness about the risks and benefits of cesarean sections. It also supports the promotion of Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) as a safe and viable option for many mothers. Ultimately, ICAM strives to ensure that expectant parents have access to accurate information and support to make choices aligned with their preferences and needs, while promoting the overall well-being of mothers and babies.

ICAM was initiated in 1982 by Liz Handler and Esther Zorn, who began as advocates for Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC). Their grassroots efforts eventually evolved into the International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN) as a response to the growing need for education, support, and advocacy in the realm of cesarean awareness.