A new statement from the World Health Organization recommends that doctors perform less caesarean sections.

The procedure puts women and their babies at a higher risk for health problems. WHO is recommending that medical professionals only perform the procedure when it is absolutely medically necessary.

According to WHO, the procedure can lead to infections and even death, and should not be taken lightly, according to the New York Daily News.

There is a growing number of women having caesareans, with rates have doubled since the 1990’s. One main cause for the growth in popularity of the procedure is not just from the doctor’s choices, but from women being giving the option to have planned caesareans instead of giving birth naturally.

The World Health Organization stated that the percent of women having caesareans should only be between 10 and 15 percent. They said that the dangers of the procedure, as well, as costs involved, should be dictating this low number.

In a statement, they said, “Although it can save lives, caesarean section is often performed without medical need, putting women and their babies at risk of short- and long-term health problems.”

The also added, “Across a population, the effects of Caesarean section rates on maternal and newborn outcomes such as stillbirths or morbidities like birth asphyxia are still unknown. More research on the impact of Caesarean section on women’s psychological and social well-being is still needed.”

The WHO also added that the procedure can often lead to serious complications that can cause disability as well as death.

These statements released by the World Health Organization directly contradict the NHS guidelines. These guidelines that the procedure does not need medical justification and should be offered to all women as an option of child birth.