Rise in US Pregnancy Deaths, Especially Among Minorities

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According to a report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in approximately 17 out of 100,000 births in the US each year, the mother dies from pregnancy-related causes. That equates to around 700 pregnancy deaths each year.

This is a concerning statistic given advances in healthcare and medical technology, especially in light of the fact that a quarter of a century ago, the rate was around 12 deaths per 100,000. The US is also out of step with the World Health Organization’s figures which state that globally, maternal mortality fell about 44% between 1990 and 2015.

Increased Pregnancy Deaths Among Minorities

Even more concerning is that black women, along with Native Americans and Alaska Natives, are three times more likely to die before, during, or after having a baby, the report states. Possible factors include high C-section rates in the US, obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and other complications. However, when you add these issues together with the bias black women may experience in receiving care, doctors overlooking key risk factors such as high blood pressure, and that some women have difficulty finding housing and healthy food, the statistics make for grim reading.

Pregnancy Deaths and Medical Malpractice

While politically and socially the US continues to tackle diversity challenges, the team here at Atlee Hall continues to devote itself to seeking justice for families who have been blindsided as a result of medical negligence. We are a team of trusted trial lawyers whose vision is a safer and healthier community for us all.