In the latest and largest compilation of maternal mortality data, released in September by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a staggering 84% of pregnancy-related deaths were deemed preventable, writes KQED.org. 53% of the deaths occurred well after women left the hospital, between seven days and a year after delivery. The data highlights multiple weaknesses in the system of care for new mothers, from obstetricians who are not trained (or paid) to look for signs of mental trouble or addiction, to policies that strip women of health insurance coverage shortly after they give birth.
Read more:
- Pregnancy-Related Deaths: Data from Maternal Mortality Review Committees in 36 US States, 2017–2019. CDC. Sept 19 2022
- ‘Fourth Trimester’ Focus Is Pushed to Prevent Maternal Deaths. KQED. Oct 31, 2022