Pattinson, Robert CliveVannevel, ValerieBarnard, DaleneBaloyi, S.Gebhardt, G.S.Le Roux, K.Moran, N.Moodley, J.2018-03-282018-03-282018-02Pattinson, R.C., Vannevel, V., Barnard, D. et al. 2018, 'Failure to perform assisted deliveries is resulting in an increased neonatal and maternal morbidity and mortality : an expert opinion', South African Medical Journal, vol. 108, no. 2, pp. 75-78.0256-9574 (print)2078-5135 (online)10.7196/SAMJ.2018.v108i2.12786http://hdl.handle.net/2263/64332The need to perform assisted vaginal delivery (AVD) has been regarded as self-evident. In high-income countries, rates of AVD range between 5% and 20% of all births. In South Africa, the rate of AVD is only 1%. This has resulted in increased neonatal morbidity and mortality due to intrapartum asphyxia, and increased maternal morbidity and mortality due to a rise in second-stage caesarean deliveries. In this article, we address the possible causes leading to a decrease in AVD and propose measures to be taken to increase the rates of AVD and subsequently reduce morbidity and mortality.en© 2017, South African Medical Association. All rights reserved. This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial Works License (CC BY-NC 3.0).Assisted vaginal delivery (AVD)AsphyxiaBirth injuryPelvic disproportionCerebral palsy (CP)Cesarean sectionFetus distressHealth care managementHigh income countryHospitalizationInstrumental deliveryMaternal morbidityMaternal mortalityMidwifeNeonatal intensive care unit (NICU)Obstetric hemorrhageObstetric procedureVacuum extractionSouth Africa (SA)Article