[EdwinSm]

While I think the population of the world will shrink on the down side of Peak Oil, I have difficulty seeing just how this will play out. I guess that there will be numerous problems arising, each of which will contribute a small amount to the declining population [lack of insulin for diabetic patients is an example].

One thing that over a generation or two that could have a significant impact is the effect of Caesarean sections, where according to the BBC $this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('', 'T')he regular use of Caesarean sections is having an impact on human evolution, say scientists......

Researchers estimate cases where the baby cannot fit down the birth canal have increased from 30 in 1,000 in the 1960s to 36 in 1,000 births today.

Historically, these genes would not have been passed from mother to child as both would have died in labour.

Researchers in Austria say the trend is likely to continue....

[Cog]

Apart from births where a C-section is necessary because of the narrowness of the birth canal, it is an overused procedure. Often done for purposes that have nothing to do with a healthy delivery. Risk aversion by the doctor so they don't get sued. OB-Gyns are way too quick to pull the handle on a normal delivery. Time is money.

[Pops]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('', 'J')an. 7, 2009
In the last decade, the number of cesarean sections — or C-sections — performed in America has nearly doubled. In fact, in the country today, approximately 30 percent of all babies born in the United States are delivered by C-section.

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine finds that more than a third of C-section are performed too early -- before 39 weeks -- putting newborns at greater risk for a variety of health problems.

While many of these C-sections are medically indicated, the study found that more than half are done on an elective basis. 36 percent of women having elective C-sections scheduled their delivery before the recommended 39 weeks, making babies more likely to visit the intensive care unit, have infections and develop respiratory distress.

[Ibon]

Cog and Pops both good posts.

Average price of vaginal birth in the USA $9,000
Average price of C section birth in the USA $15,000

What is billed is in the quotes below. What the insurance companies actually pay out is the above figures

Other parts of the world? About $ 2,000 - $ 3000 total

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('', 'T')he average total price charged for pregnancy and newborn care was about $30,000 for a vaginal delivery and $50,000 for a C-section, with commercial insurers paying out an average of $18,329 and $27,866, the report found.

[Plantagenet]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Cog', ' ')C-section is ... an overused procedure. Often done for purposes that have nothing to do with a healthy delivery. Risk aversion by the doctor so they don't get sued. OB-Gyns are way too quick to pull the handle on a normal delivery.