Congress Passes Maternal Mortality Prevention Bill
It may be surprising to many, but medical experts have reported for years that America has the highest maternal mortality rates of any developed country. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate more than 50,000 women annually experience severe complications related to childbirth, and that up to 700 of them will die during pregnancy or delivery.
While experts disagree about the root causes behind this statistic, there’s a stronger chance than ever before that the data will finally reveal the problems – and allow for crucial medical reforms to follow. That’s because Congress recently approved more than $60 million in allocated funding for maternal mortality prevention efforts, in what health advocates are hailing as a groundbreaking first step towards a real solution.
Why Are Maternal Mortality Rates So High?
In recent years, there has been significant pressure from public health officials and mother’s rights groups to investigate our nation’s maternal mortality epidemic. Although some states have attempted to blame the mothers for everything from lifestyle choices to simple negligence, other experts have come to the conclusion that there’s a deeper problem with our healthcare system.
Their claim? That obstetric specialists, doctors, nurses, and other physicians often neglect the needs and stated preferences of expecting mothers. From performing unnecessary C-sections to increase hospital profits, to failing to diagnose life-threatening pregnancy conditions such as preeclampsia, some experts now believe that American health practitioners do not always apply the full standard of care to maternal patients.
What Does the Maternal Mortality Prevention Bill Entail?
For these public health advocates, the new bill represents a significant victory in the fight against maternal mortality. The bill, unanimously passed in Congress last week, will allow for the creation of maternal health review committees in every state. For the next 5 years, these review boards will collect data on exactly which factors are killing pregnant women, ensuring that there will be enough comprehensive research to begin finding a solution for the future.
Dedicated and Experienced Medical Malpractice Lawyers
As Kansas City birth injury lawyers, our team at Cullan & Cullan handles many cases of physician negligence during pregnancy and delivery. Whether harming the mother or her unborn child, doctors who are negligent in the delivery room should be held fully accountable for their actions. As medical doctors ourselves, we have the ability to determine when negligence has taken place; As personal injury attorneys, we have an unyielding commitment to helping injured victims move forward with their lives.
Do you believe that you suffered from a maternal birth injury? Contact our team at (816) 253-8606 for the compassionate counsel you need.