C-sections in Karnataka rise; private sector drives spike: National Family Health Survey

NFHS-6 (2023–24) reports 45.7% of all births in Karnataka were via C-section, up from 31.5% in NFHS-5 (2019–21).

Private sector drives the spike: 63% of births in private facilities are C-sections, versus 34% in public facilities.

Institutional deliveries in public facilities declined from 64.8% to 58.1%; urban public delivery share dropped to 45%.

A 2025 pilot study in Tumakuru found many women chose elective C-sections due to perceived safety and convenience, not medical necessity.

Government plans to add natural delivery benefits to consent forms and promote non-invasive pain management, but experts call for stronger regulatory oversight.