Data recently released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that the U.S. maternal mortality rate – which has been rising for years – nearly doubled between 2018 and 2021. This upward trend is affecting Black mothers at a rate that is 2.6 times higher than it is affecting White mothers. Maternal mortality concerns the deaths of women who pass away due to challenges related to pregnancy, birth and early post-partum recovery.
Access to proper care plays a significant role in the maternal mortality rate in the U.S. but the role of medical errors cannot be denied. It has been understood since 2016 that medical errors are the third-leading cause of death in the U.S. Many of these errors occur while women are receiving prenatal, birthing and post-partum care – or the lack thereof.
The projections for the future aren’t promising
Unfortunately, it has been widely reported that medical experts and researchers do not expect the winding down of the global health crisis of the past few years to resolve this upward trend in maternal mortality across the country.
Understanding that the U.S. maternal mortality rate is rising significantly – and that medical experts and researchers do not anticipate this reality to trend downward anytime soon – can inspire expectant mothers to take excellent care of themselves and to advocate for themselves whenever necessary.
Additionally, in the event that something does go wrong, they and/or their loved ones may also be inspired to seek legal guidance to hold negligent providers and/or facilities accountable for any harm that has been caused.