C-Sections Have a Surprisingly Ancient History

While cesarean sections account for about one-third of U.S. births today, this surgical procedure has ancient roots dating back to the Roman Empire, where it was used to save babies when mothers died during childbirth. The first documented successful C-section in America occurred in 1794 by physician Jesse Bennett. Modern advances like ultrasounds and improved anesthesia have made C-sections much safer, but some researchers now worry the procedure is sometimes used for convenience rather than medical necessity.