Maternity Deserts & Ice Skating Through a Broken System: Why Moms Are Still Dying in America

In this episode of CocoaPods, Dr. Bola Sogade hosts Dr. Julia Interrante from the University of Minnesota to discuss the alarming rise in maternal mortality in the U.S., particularly in rural communities. They examine the consequences of inadequate maternal healthcare access, the role of data in shaping policy, and how technology, such as telemedicine, can support rural healthcare providers. Dr. Interrante highlights the ongoing closure of birth centers and hospitals offering obstetric services, emphasizing that funding and policy changes are essential to prevent further losses. The conversation underscores the need for a systemic shift in healthcare financing and advocacy efforts to ensure safe childbirth for all women, regardless of location or socioeconomic status.Dr. Julia Interrante is a mentee of Dr.Katy Backes Kozhimannil,a Distinguished McKnight University Professor and Co-Director of the University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center.#CocoaPodsPodcastMaternal Health & Advocacy:#RespectfulMaternityCare#BlackMaternalHealth#MidwiferyMatters#DoulasSaveLives#EndPreventableMaternalDeaths#PregnancyCareForAll#MomsDeserveBetter#ReproductiveJustice#BirthEquityRural & Telemedicine Solutions:#TechForMoms#DigitalHealthSolutions#HealthcareInnovation#VirtualCareForMoms#TelehealthSavesLives#MaternalCareAccessPolicy & Systemic Change:#FixMaternalHealthcare#MedicaidForMoms#ReformMaternityCare#FundBirthCenters#SupportReproductiveRights#MakeBirthSafeGeneral Engagement & Awareness:#EveryMomCounts#HealthyMomsHealthyBabies#NoMoreMaternityDeserts#PregnancyIsNotAPreexistingCondition#SupportLocalBirthCentersSupport the show