Black women are more likely to die of labor or pregnancy complications than white counterparts. The data can be found in an undated report quietly posted by the city’s health department.
It starts with a focus on such preventable killers as obstetric hemorrhage, preeclampsia and blood clot embolisms. “The goal is that every hospital in the country should implement maternity safety bundles; a standard set of best practices,” says a doctor leading the effort.
The current focus is on Gaza, where the Israeli military’s “knock on the roof” warning missile leaves too little time for escape. Women and children compose a sizable number of the 200 Palestinians killed as of July 16.
Authors analyze the status of midwifery in 73 countries—all either low- or middle-income–that account for 92 percent of the world’s maternal and new born deaths. Materials to prevent bleeding, infection and lower blood pressure are in short supply.
The data for U.S. childbirth deaths has not been published since 2007 due to states’ failure to revise their death certificates. Better reporting is needed to stop the “hidden tragedy of maternal deaths” says an executive with the March of Dimes.
On Nov. 13 Rita Henley Jensen, Women’s eNews’ founder and editor in chief, appeared at the New York City Government Committee on Health hearing to share our findings on New York City’s high maternal mortality rates. This is a copy of her testimony.
This site uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. By continuing to use this website, you consent to the use of cookies in accordance with our privacy policy.