When the term “maternal mortality” is referenced, most may picture poverty-stricken third-world countries where modern healthcare practices are left only to be desired. However, it is a problem that expectant mothers face here in the United States.
A recent investigative report from USA Today shows that approximately 700 mothers die from pregnancy or childbirth complications and another 50,000 suffer severe injuries each year in the U.S. Many of these life-altering injuries and deaths during childbirth are due to hospitals and medical workers skipping vital safety practices in the delivery room.
Currently, Virginia is below the U.S. average for maternal mortality. According to the United Health Foundation, the statistics for 2018 were:
Race/Ethnicity:
African-American Maternal Mortality: VA: 36.6/100,000; U.S.: 47.2/100,000
Caucasian Maternal Mortality: VA: 11/100,000; U.S.: 18.1/100,000
Age:
Maternal Mortality Ages 15-24: VA: 9.1; U.S.: 11.0
Maternal Mortality Ages 25-34: VA: 10.9; U.S.: 14.0
Maternal Mortality Ages 35-44: VA: 29.5; U.S.: 38.5
To combat this, the Virginia General Assembly has passed legislation creating a maternal mortality review team within the Virginia Department of Health to understand the causes behind the issue in the Commonwealth and protect mothers giving birth.
H.B. 2546, introduced Delegate Roxann Robinson (R-Chesterfield), will ensure that maternal fatalities occurring in the Commonwealth are analyzed in a systematic way.
“This legislation specifically requires the review team to report this data, which will lead to improved best practices, better and more uniform standards of care,” said Delegate Robinson in a press release. “Above all, this will go a long ways to reducing our maternal mortality rate.”
Virginia’s Department of Health will review the rate of pregnancy-associated and pregnancy-related deaths, identify risk factors, and develop recommendations for prevention and intervention programs to reduce the rate of maternal mortality. The bill also requires certain health care providers, law-enforcement officers, funeral directors, or other persons having knowledge of pregnancy-associated and pregnancy-related deaths to report them to state health officials.
“There is nothing more precious than a mother bringing a newborn child into this world” said Speaker of the House Kirk Cox (R-Colonial Heights). “Sadly, too many mothers are dying from preventable childbirth complications and many more suffering severe injuries during childbirth. This legislation will strengthen our healthcare system and protect mothers.”
The bill passed through the House of Delegates on February 5 with a 99-0 vote, and in the State Senate February 18 with a 40-0 vote. The legislation now heads to the governor’s desk to be signed.