Whereas, This year, more than one in four babies born in the State of Michigan  will be born surgically via cesarean section; and,

Whereas, The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health People 2010 goals strive toward a reduction in the cesarean rate to 19 percent among low risk first time mothers and 72 percent from women with prior cesareans; and,

Whereas, A cesarean can be lifesaving for both mother and baby in the right circumstances, however, unnecessary cesareans can be avoided if childbearing families are properly educated about their choices in managing labor and delivery as a cesarean section is major abdominal surgery; and,

Whereas, Women who undergo cesarean births have a longer recovery time and are subject to increased complications; and,

Whereas, Maternal-child health is improved by preventing unnecessary cesareans through education, providing support for cesarean recovery, and promoting normal birth after cesarean; and,

Whereas, Michigan women have the right to full and complete information o the risks and benefits of natural and cesarean birth and the corresponding right to make informed choices about their heath care including the right to refuse unnecessary cesarean surgery; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim April 2005, as Cesarean Awareness Month in Michigan and I encourage all women to make informed decisions in regards to their health care.