The phenomenal increase in institutional births in India has been accompanied by a disturbing rise in caesarean section deliveries. The prevalence of, reasons for, and consequences of c-section deliveries in the town of Kulgam in Jammu and Kashmir are studied. The findings not only reveal an alarmingly high prevalence of c-section deliveries in the town, but also that these deliveries are being largely performed without medical indications, adversely affecting the health of women. In order to monitor and control c-section deliveries in the country, immediate policy interventions are required.
