Six reasons the National cesarean section rate is so high.

1. Low priority of enhancing women's own abilities to give birth
2. Side effects of common labor interventions
3. Refusal to offer the informed choice of vaginal birth
4. Casual attitudes about surgery and variation in professional practice style
5. Limited awareness of harms that are more likely with cesarean section
6. Incentives to practice in a manner that is efficient for providers

"All of these factors contribute to a current national cesarean section rate of over 30%, despite evidence that a rate of 5% to 10% would be optimal."

This list and more information can be found on the Chilbirth Connection website:
http://www.childbirthconnection.org/article.asp?ck=10456