Maternal Mortality Rates on the Rise in the U.S.

According to a new investigation undertaken by USA Today, more women are dying due to childbirth complications in the U.S. than the rest of the developed world. Information from the CDC tracking maternal death from 1986 to today indicates that rates have risen from 7.2 per 100,000 live births in 1987 to 18 per 100,000 live births in 2014. Some states in the U.S. stand far outside the average, the highest being Louisiana at 58.1, Georgia at 48.4, and Indiana at 43.6. Other countries in the developed world have experienced a decrease in maternal mortality rates. For example, the rate per 100,000 live births in Germany fell from 20 to just under 10. What’s more, according to the World Health Organization, the global rate of maternal death decreased 44 percent between 1990 and 2015.

So why is childbirth so dangerous in the U.S.? In identifying the cause of these staggering statistics, some suggest increases in chronic health conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes contribute to pregnancy complications. Extreme blood loss during delivery is another cause of maternal death.  However, USA Today’s investigation found that 90% of maternal deaths due to hemorrhaging could have been prevented.

Some states are taking measures to decrease the maternal death rate. Alabama, for instance, has managed to reduce its maternal and infant mortality rates indirectly by instituting reforms such as expanding access to prenatal care.

If you lost a loved one during the labor and delivery process, please call us at 877-262-9767.

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