Costs associated with pregnancy and its complications are a driving factor in the rising costs of health care. Cesarean deliveries, elective labor inductions and scheduled deliveries before 39 weeks are also the rise. The growing use of medically unnecessary interventions is increasing costs and the incidence of complications among mothers and babies, with no evidence of improved outcomes.

Catalyst for Payment Reform (CPR) is an independent organization led by health care purchasers, with active involvement of providers, health plans, consumers and labor groups working to improve quality and reduce costs by identifying and coordinating workable solutions to improve how we pay for health care in the U.S.