The Impact of SOAR

Supporting Vaginal Deliveries for Low-Risk Mothers (SOAR) focuses on safely decreasing cesarean sections among first-time, low-risk mothers. Avoiding unnecessary C-sections reduces maternal morbidity, improves infant outcomes, and lowers cost of care.

Our initiative aims to help hospitals achieve the Healthy People 2030 target of reducing cesarean births among first-time, low-risk mothers to below 23.6%.

From 2023-2025, SOAR initiative hospitals have seen a decline in C-sections among first-time, low-risk mothers .

While induction of labor does not inherently increase the risk of cesarean birth, inconsistent labor management practices, especially among first-time, low-risk mothers, can contribute to higher C-section rates.

The SOAR initiative ensures that induction management is evidence-based and supportive of safe vaginal birth, with cesarean delivery used only when clinically indicated.

Between 2020 and 2025, SOAR hospitals achieved meaningful reductions in C-section rates after induction of labor among first-time, low-risk mothers by ensuring cesarean deliveries occur only when medically indicated.