As early as the second trimester, Katie Gustafsson of Eskilstuna, Sweden, knew she had a good chance of having a Cesarean section. Her placenta was completely covering the cervix, and unless it moved up into the uterus by the time delivery began, the baby would have no other way out but through an opening in her abdomen. Not only did the placenta stay put, but the baby developed a serious genetic condition. The bottom line: A Cesarean section saved Gustafsson's life and the life of her baby.

Nobody disputes the miracle and validity of Cesarean section when it is used as a lifesaving procedure. But in the United States alone, Cesarean rates have risen to all time highs, leaving many people to question whether saving lives is the only reason Cesareans are given. In fact, a prominent member of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists suggested that women should be given the right to choose a Cesarean even when their pregnancy is progressing normally. And this idea is causing quite a stir.

"The International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN) opposes the use of Cesarean section where there is no medical need," says Kathleen Gray Farthing, spokesperson for the group. ICAN's official position on birth is that it is a normal, physiological process, and medically unnecessary elective Cesareans increase risk to birthing women.

Ginny Hermann of Omaha, Neb., delivered two children by Cesarean. Although the surgical births were medically necessary, Hermann knows that if a third pregnancy were to become a reality, she would request another Cesarean. "Both of my previous surgical births went smoothly, and I think I would feel better knowing what to expect," she says. Hermann adds that she thinks another Cesarean section would be less stressful and easier for her.

"Elective Cesarean sections are a lot like circumcisions to me," says Nan Tolbert, R.N., director of the Ojai Birth Resource & Family Center. "They are doable, they are available and they appeal to some people (depending on their cultural and religious and personal belief systems that are in place)."

Knowing the date of your baby's birth gives you time to prepare every last detail, including maternity leave, visiting relatives and care for any children at home. Being anesthetized from the very beginning means you will not feel one single contraction. And delivering your baby through a slit in your stomach means no vaginal stretching or episiotomies. On the surface it might not seem like such a bad deal.

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