I first started noticing concerns about high C-section rates among Somali women while doing community outreach as part of my work. During these conversations, women were open about their birth experiences and many shared similar feelings. Some said they felt pressured into having a C-section. Others told me they were never fully clear on why that decision was made in the first place. I already knew C-section rates have been rising everywhere, but hearing these stories repeatedly made me pause. There seemed to be something deeper happening in our community that deserved more attention.

So, I started listening more closely. I talked directly with Somali women who had given birth and took time to learn from their experiences. I also did my own research, wanting to understand what might be influencing these patterns. What came up over and over were a few key issues: language barriers, cultural beliefs around childbirth, and a lack of trust in the healthcare system.

Some women shared that they believed C-sections were the “safer” option and this is often based on stories they had heard from family members or friends. Others felt uncomfortable asking questions during appointments or didn’t feel fully included in decisions about their own bodies. For many, it wasn’t about wanting surgery, it was about fear, confusion, and not feeling heard.

To help open up the conversation, I worked with community partners to organize a dialogue space where Somali women and healthcare providers could come together and talk honestly about childbirth. We invited Dr. Farhiyo Abdulle, an experienced OBGYN who shared the community’s background and understood how important culture and trust are in these conversations.

During the discussion, the doctor explained when C-sections are medically necessary and when they may not be. She talked openly about the benefits and risks of both vaginal births and C-sections, without judgment or pressure. What stood out most was how she addressed the emotional and cultural side of childbirth by acknowledging fear, past trauma, and the stories women carry with them.

The question-and-answer portion was powerful. Women asked about common fears, like whether vaginal birth is safe or whether C-sections are always easier and faster. The OBGYN reassured them that with good prenatal care and support, vaginal births can be just as safe for many women. She also talked about informed consent, patient rights, and how women can speak up and advocate for themselves during pregnancy and delivery.

By the end of the event, you could feel the shift in the room. Women felt heard. They felt informed. And perhaps most importantly, they felt more confident asking questions and making decisions about their own care.

This experience reminded me how important community-centered education really is. When information is shared in a respectful, culturally familiar space, it builds trust and understanding. These kinds of conversations are a key step toward reducing unnecessary medical interventions and helping Somali women feel supported, empowered, and in control of their birth experiences.

Written by:

Halimo Abdi, Community Health Worker