WILMINGTON — Activists rallying for natural childbirth have a different kind of labor in mind on Labor Day.

Dozens of people gathered Monday in Wilmington as part of a nationwide series of rallies seeking to reduce the frequency of births from cesarean sections and induced labor. Organizers planned similar events in 100 cities Monday including Charlotte, Kill Devil Hills, and Raleigh.

Advocates say natural birth is healthier for mothers and babies. They also say the long-term effects of non-emergency inductions and cesareans are just starting to be realized.

Rally organizers say the more unnecessary procedures become routine, the more they appear normal instead of being reserved only for solving specific problems.