Story perspectives

Study Reveals Higher Cesarean Risks for Sexual Minorities

12/17/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A study published in The Lancet Regional Health shows sexual minority individuals have a 7% higher risk of Cesarean section than heterosexual counterparts.
The risk rises to 12% for heterosexual individuals with prior same-sex experiences.
The risk rises to 21% for those needing induced labor.
Dr. Sarah McKetta from Columbia University led the researchers.
The study analyzed over 102,000 pregnancies and calls for reducing unnecessary C-sections to address disparities.

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Story summary

A study published in The Lancet Regional Health shows sexual minority individuals have a 7% higher risk of Cesarean section than heterosexual counterparts.
The risk rises to 12% for heterosexual individuals with prior same-sex experiences.
The risk rises to 21% for those needing induced labor.
Dr. Sarah McKetta from Columbia University led the researchers.
The study analyzed over 102,000 pregnancies and calls for reducing unnecessary C-sections to address disparities.