The percentage of Caesarean sections (C-sections) among hospital births reached an all-time high in 2024. According to data released by the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) on Monday, out of the 654,600 women who gave birth in hospitals in 2024, 215,900 required a C-section. This means that every third birth (33.0 percent) in a hospital setting that year was a C-section. This rate marks the highest level since Germany’s reunification, having more than doubled since 15.3 percent-the rate observed in 1991.
While C-sections are the most common procedure, other methods of childbirth are also used, albeit less frequently. In 2024, a vacuum extractor was used in 6.7 percent of births, and forceps in 0.2 percent. Meanwhile, 60.1 percent of women gave birth naturally within the hospital.
There are notable regional variations across Germany regarding birth methods. Hamburg reported the highest proportion of C-sections at 36.4 percent, followed closely by Saarland (35.9 percent) and Hesse (35.6 percent). Conversely, the lowest rates were recorded in Saxony (27.4 percent), with Brandenburg (27.6 percent) and Berlin (29.9 percent) also reporting lower percentages.
Midwives and birth attendants play a crucial role in supporting women during and after pregnancy, as well as during childbirth. In 2024, approximately 12,900 midwives and birth attendants provided care in German hospitals. This figure represents an increase of 3.3 percent compared to the previous year, when the number stood at around 12,500. According to the Federal Agency, these personnel were composed of 88.9 percent (11,400) who were permanently employed and 11.1 percent (1,400) who were temporary staff.