Maternal Mortality Essay

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Northern Arizona University *

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280

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Medicine

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Jan 9, 2024

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pdf

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Uploaded by EarlMaskNarwhal41

Maternal Mortality in the United States Maternal mortality, the death of women after delivery, in the postpartum period, during childbirth, or during pregnancy, is a tragic event that continues to be a pressing issue in the United States (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2019). This occurrence in our society remains to be not only a tragedy but a major problem within not only our healthcare system and our society as a whole. According to the National Library of Medicine, the maternal mortality rate for 2021 was roughly 32.9 deaths per 100,000 live births with increasing rates over the more recent years (Davis et al., 2018). While the United States is celebrated for its advancements within the medical field having immense medical capabilities, the persistence of maternal mortality creates a reminder of the crisis and failures our society has faced regarding women’s health. Within this paper, we will explore the causes of maternal mortality, maternal mortality rates over time, maternal mortality prevention, and whether or not these prevention efforts have been effective or ineffective. Furthermore, we will explore the racial disparities of maternal mortality in the United States portraying how these disparities are a reflection of systemic inequality within not only our healthcare system but society as whole serving as a reminder for change. Maternal mortality is a major issue in the United States that has several causes and contributing factors. Maternal mortality, usually stemming from complications related to childbirth or the postpartum period, include infection, preexisting health conditions, hypertensive disorders and hemorrhage (Callaghan et al., 2012). According to Yale University, some of the leading causes and factors of maternal mortality include stroke, heart disease, cardiomyopathy and even advanced maternal age. Additionally, hypertension that is quite often associated with maternal mortality can cause several other issues including preeclampsia, liver and kidney

damage, proteinuria, and other health complications (Katella, 2023). Without the necessary medical attention, many of the complications can escalate quite rapidly, especially with advanced maternal age. Through this escalation, it makes early identification of maternal mortality more difficult and intervention extremely vital to the survival of the mother. Moreover, maternal mortality is also further compounded by disparities in healthcare quality and access within the United States healthcare system. A study by Howell et al. (2016) highlights how many marginalized communities, such as the black community, often have difficulty getting access to high-quality and effective care leading to an increased risk of maternal mortality compared to their white counterparts. This research study not only proved that these disparities in healthcare access exacerbate the rates of maternal mortality, but also socioeconomic and racial inequalities that create an environment in today’s society in which mothers are at risk of increased maternal mortality (Howell et al., 2016). A statistic by the World Health Organization states that almost 95% of maternal deaths happen within the lower middle-income classes proving how socioeconomic disparities and inequalities contribute to maternal mortality (World Health Organization, 2023). Recent data regarding maternal mortality within the United States indicates a fluctuating trend over time. Despite the efforts to reduce maternal mortality rates, the rates continue to fluctuate. According to a study by MacDorman, Declercq, and Thoma (2019), it showed how the maternal mortality rates have significantly increased from 2000-2014. During the time period of this study, it portrayed that the mortality rates nearly doubled within the United States raising significant concerns about maternal healthcare in the United States. A more recent study by Petersen et al. (2019) exhibited that some mortality rates in some states improved while other states had an increase in the maternal mortality rates. Now, why is there not a consistent decline

in maternal mortality and why is it fluctuating. The reason for this inconsistent decline in maternal mortality ties back to the factors contributing to maternal mortality including systemic healthcare disparities, social determinants, and racial disparities. These disparities create inconsistent access to timely and high-quality maternal healthcare causing an increase in maternal mortality. Without effective and accessible maternal healthcare for all the communities in the United States, these numbers will continue to increase or fluctuate. To work towards decreasing the maternal mortality rate over time. systemic changes, continued research, and specific interventions are necessary to address this nationwide public concern. Various policies and initiatives have been created in the United States to improve the pressing issue of maternal mortality. In various states, they have implemented an establishment called the Maternal Mortality Review Committees that have been a very important step in investigating maternal mortality and its contributing factors (Creanga et al., 2019). The Maternal Mortality Review Committees analyze patterns of maternal mortality, investigate individual cases of these occurrences, and find effective ways to improve the healthcare system in the United States. Additionally, there have been several federal and state policies that have been implemented to improve maternal healthcare. For example, an act called “Preventing Maternal Deaths Act of 2018” has helped provide funding and support to the Mortality Review Committees ensuring that there is accurate and effective data collection in order to decrease mortality rates permanently (Creanga et al., 2019). Another act called the “Affordable Care Act” helped extend healthcare coverage for maternity care and provide maternal mortality preventative services. This “Affordable Care Act” allowed for more access to maternal healthcare for all marginalized populations and communities. Due to all of these efforts, the maternal mortality rates dropped roughly 34% worldwide (World Health Organization, 2023).

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