ALMOST half of all babies born in Jersey are now delivered by caesarean section – a significant rise that the Health Department has insisted is driven by women’s needs and choices, not staffing pressures or convenience.
According to the latest Births and Breastfeeding Profile, 46% of live births between 2022 and 2024 were delivered via caesarean — a 19% rise compared to the early 2000s and higher than the 41% recorded in England over the same period.
Responding to queries from the JEP about the figures, Health argued the Island’s higher rate was due to the needs and choices of women in Jersey, not because of staff shortages or because it is easier for doctors.
Akin Famoriyo, consultant obstetrician, said: “The decision to deliver by C-section is never taken lightly.
C-section. This is 19% higher than in 2000-2002.
“We follow national and international best practice and work closely with each woman to make sure every decision is safe and fully informed.
“Factors like increasing maternal age and more complex pregnancies do contribute to a higher C-section rate, but each birth is planned according to what is safest for mother and baby.”
The statistics from Public Health revealed that the proportion of Jersey women having a baby in their 20s has nearly halved in recent years, while the average age of motherhood is on the rise.
The proportion of mothers aged 20 to 29 giving birth fell from 42% in the late 1990s to just 25% by 2022-2024.
Meanwhile, the number of women aged 35 and over giving birth has risen from 17% in 1995 to 32% in 2024.
This is higher than in England and Wales, where 26% of births were to women aged 35 and over in 2024.
And Jersey’s average maternal age is 32, compared to 31 in England and Wales.
The number of births to women aged 40 and above has also grown, from 2% in 1995-1997 to 8% in 2022-2024, while births to women aged 30-39 have risen from 51% to 65%.
Dr Caroline Jenkins, chief of service for women’s and children’s health, said: “While Jersey’s C-section rate is slightly higher than England’s, this reflects the local context, including our population’s specific needs and choices.
“There is no evidence that C-sections are carried out for staff convenience or due to a lack of midwives; they are done for clinical reasons or at the mother’s informed request.
“Patient safety and choice always come first.”
And it is the case that the report shows that C-sections are more common in older age groups.
Around 1 in 8 (12%) mothers in Jersey aged 25-29 years delivered by an elective (planned) C-section, a smaller proportion compared to mothers aged 35-39 years (31%) and 40-44 years (39%).
Emergency procedures were also more frequent for first-time mothers, with 30% of first births involving emergency C-sections and 18% planned.
For second births, 20% were emergency and 26% elective.
Ros Bullen-Bell, director of midwifery, said that maternity care remained focussed on supporting women’s individual choices.
“Our midwives are dedicated to supporting women to have the birth that is right for them, whether that is a vaginal birth or a C-section.
“There is no pressure to deliver by C-section; the priority is always safe, personalised care.
“We encourage any woman with concerns to speak to their midwife to get clear, evidence-based information.”
