Over recent decades, more and more pregnant women around the world have undergone induction of labour (artificially initiated labour) to deliver their babies. In developed countries, up to 25% of all deliveries at term now involve induction of labour. In developing countries, the rates are generally lower, but in some settings they can be as high as those observed in developed countries. Induction of labour is not risk-free and many women find it to be uncomfortable. With a view to promoting the best known clinical practices in labour and childbirth and to improving maternal outcomes worldwide, WHO has developed the present recommendations using the procedures outlined in the WHO Handbook for guideline development.

The steps involved in the guideline development process included:

(i) identification of priority questions and outcomes; (ii) evidence retrieval; (iii) assessment and synthesis of the evidence; (iv) formulation of recommendations; and (v) planning for dissemination, implementation, impact evaluation and updating.