It’s time to stop feigning surprise at the alarming maternal death rate in the United States. The country holds the tragic distinction of having the highest maternal mortality rates among developed nations, and the reasons behind this grim statistic are all too clear.
For far too long, essential women’s health programs have faced cuts and controversies, often debated by individuals who will never require these services. This indifference poses a significant threat to women’s health and well-being.
In recent years, it has become increasingly evident that many lawmakers, particularly in the Republican majority, are not prioritizing the health of women. This is not just a theoretical argument; we have the data to back it up. The less we invest in vital health services for women, the more lives are lost.
Texas: A Case Study
Take Texas as a case study—this state has one of the poorest records when it comes to supporting women’s health initiatives. In 2011, the Texas legislature, under Republican control, voted to slash funding for family planning, well-woman care, cancer screenings, and treatment for sexually transmitted infections by a staggering 66%. Wendy Harper, a health advocate, pointed out that this decision led to the closure of 82 clinics, leaving countless women without alternatives for care. The result? The maternal mortality rate in Texas has doubled since those cuts were made.
Currently, Medicaid in Texas provides coverage for mothers only for 60 days after giving birth. A task force examining the rising maternal death rates has recommended extending coverage to a full year postpartum. However, the possibility of Medicaid cuts looms large, with plans from some lawmakers that could devastate this essential program.
Medicaid is often misunderstood, tied to outdated stereotypes of laziness and entitlement. In reality, nearly 1 in 5 Americans rely on Medicaid, which covers over one-third of children in the U.S. and pays for nearly half of all births. The Affordable Care Act recognizes the necessity for comprehensive care for mothers during pregnancy and for their children as well. Pregnant women and children with household incomes above federal thresholds can still access Medicaid, which is a vital provision—unless you believe that pregnant women and their children should be left without insurance.
Texas exemplifies the dire consequences of refusing to expand Medicaid, leaving women to navigate life without adequate support just two months after childbirth. Between 2010 and 2014, 600 women in Texas died due to pregnancy-related causes. When we hear that the U.S. has the highest maternal death rate in the developed world, we react with shock, but the reality is far simpler: When we neglect the health needs of women, they pay the ultimate price.
Investigative Findings
An investigation by NPR and ProPublica revealed that more American women are dying from pregnancy-related complications than in any other developed nation, and the rates are on the rise. Their extensive research aimed to track the 700-900 women who died from such complications in 2016, and they uncovered the stories of 120 of them—ordinary women, mothers, professionals, and friends.
The lack of tracking of maternal deaths by state and federal governments has been labeled an “international embarrassment.” ProPublica and NPR have worked tirelessly to uncover these stories, revealing that many of these women died during the postpartum period, often due to heart issues or severe mood disorders. There were numerous missed opportunities to save these lives.
What Can Be Done?
So, how can we safeguard the health of women and children? If Medicaid is available in your state, advocate for its protection. Contact your representatives, urge your Senators to prioritize women’s health, and push for Medicaid coverage to extend a full year after childbirth; over 60% of maternal deaths occur after six weeks postpartum. Fight passionately for legislation that protects these vital services.
Remember, a program that supports pregnant women, children, the elderly, and the disabled is not the burden some politicians may claim it to be. If we fail to care for our most vulnerable, what does that say about us as a society? We cannot simply shake our heads at the shocking maternal mortality statistics and ask, “Why?”—because we know the answer. The question now is: what will we do about it?
For more insights on pregnancy and related health issues, check out this comprehensive resource from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. And if you’re considering starting a family, our guide on at-home insemination kits might be worth a look as well.
Summary
The U.S. has the highest maternal death rate in the developed world, primarily due to cuts in essential health services and inadequate support for new mothers. By examining Texas’s alarming statistics, the article highlights the consequences of neglecting women’s health and advocates for stronger Medicaid protections and awareness of maternal mortality.