Maternal death in the United States: a problem solved or a problem ignored?

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Healthcare Policy
• Maternal Health

Background:

• The United States exhibits a higher maternal death ratio compared to at least 40 other nations.
• Despite significant per capita spending on maternity care, the U.S. faces a critical maternal mortality issue.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the elevated U.S. maternal death rate.
• To advocate for a comprehensive, confidential system for maternal death ascertainment and analysis.
• To underscore the necessity of maternal death reviews for enhancing maternal safety.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of the U.S. maternal death rate in comparison to other countries.
• Examination of the existing system for maternal death ascertainment in the U.S.
• Reference to the United Kingdom's Confidential Enquiry into Maternal and Child Health as a model for national professional self-evaluation.

Main Results:

• The U.S. has a disproportionately high maternal death ratio relative to its healthcare expenditure.
• The absence of a comprehensive, confidential maternal death ascertainment system contributes to preventable maternal mortality.
• Maternal death reviews are identified as essential for improving safety.

Conclusions:

• A robust, confidential system for reviewing maternal deaths is imperative to reduce preventable mortality in the U.S.
• The Safe Motherhood Quilt Project aims to increase public awareness of this critical issue.
• Adoption of best practices, such as those seen in the UK, is recommended to make motherhood safer.