Doctors around the world are using labour induction more often to start births. A large review of data from 62 countries shows the rate jumped from about 19 percent in 2010 to nearly 30 percent in 2019. This trend continued through 2022, with an annual increase of 4 percent. The study looked at national records from 176 different studies to find this pattern.
The data came mostly from wealthy nations and Europe. Researchers found that 40 countries helped build the 2019 estimate, while 43 countries tracked the yearly changes. However, there is a critical gap in information for low-income countries, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. No eligible data exists for that region, which means we do not know if this trend is happening there too.
Experts say these rising numbers likely reflect better access to care and expanded reasons for using induction. But this also signals potential overuse in places with plenty of resources. Strengthening national data systems is essential to monitor this and guide appropriate use. Identifying the right rate for induction should be a priority for future research and clinical practice.