Dominican Republic cesarean births exceed two‑thirds of all deliveries

A 2025 ENHOGAR‑MICS survey shows that 68.2% of births in the Dominican Republic are performed by cesarean section, far above the World Health Organization’s recommended 10‑15% range. The rate is especially high in private facilities, where 87.9% of deliveries are surgical, compared with 51.8% in public hospitals.

The survey also highlights socioeconomic patterns: women with university education, higher income, or older age are more likely to have a cesarean, with rates above 80% in the most affluent groups. Early breastfeeding is less common after cesarean births, occurring in only 16.4% of cases versus 35.4% after vaginal delivery. Despite near‑universal prenatal care and high post‑natal follow‑up, the country’s cesarean prevalence continues to rise, prompting health officials to reinforce protocols aimed at reducing unnecessary surgeries.