According to an article published by CNN on February 23, 2022, the number of maternal deaths during childbirth continues to rise in the United States. These numbers are even more striking in African American women, who die at a rate three times higher than White women. In total, the report shows that maternal deaths have increased to 24 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2020, as compared to 17 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2018.
Unfortunately, these rising numbers seem to be a trend. Pregnancy-related mortality has been rising over the last 30 years in the United States. There was no known link to COVID-19, which means the deaths are most likely due to improper medical care provided to the mothers. THe United States is the most advanced country in the world, yet we have the highest maternal death rate of any developed nation. How is that possible? The answer most likely lies in the fact that our healthcare system puts so much emphasis on profit. Every day in hospitals throughout our country, doctors and administrators choose profits over safety. This results in mothers receiving substandard care.
The most common maternal injury caused during birth is postpartum hemorrhage. This can occur during c-section or vaginal delivery. If the hemorrhage is not timely recognized, the mother will go into hemorrhagic shock and die. The signs and symptoms are often easily recognizable if the nurses and doctors are simply paying attention.
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