Season 2 Episode #2: On the Mother Mortality Rate

The World Health Organization defines maternal death as the death of a woman while pregnant or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy, irrespective of the duration and site of the pregnancy, from any cause related to or aggravated by the pregnancy or its management but not from accidental or incidental causes. Despite the status of the United States as a developed country with a leading role in the world, recent years have seen an increase in maternal death rates. In the past year the rate has been double that of Canada for instance. Such a counterintuitive problem for a developed country, puzzled students at The Bush School, who set out to understand the causes, consequences and problems associated with this challenge in the United States. The host and guests engage in a conversation that uses data and evidence on maternal deaths and proposes a number of options to provide better care for women and children. Why is the rate higher in this country? Are Americans less healthy than counterparts? How does access to health care influence general health outcomes and especially maternal death rates? How do racial disparities manifest themselves? What are possible solutions and policies that can improve the outcomes in this area? Sources: World Health Organization International Classification of Diseases: http://www.who.int/classifications/icd/en/ Department of State and Health Services. Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Task Force and Department of State Health Services: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/mch/maternal_mortality_and_morbidity.shtm