The Essential Role of Nurse Practitioners and Midwives on Maternal Mortality Review Committees

Rates of maternal morbidity and mortality in the United States continue to rise, and three out of every five U.S. pregnancy-related deaths are preventable. A multiprong approach to addressing this public health crisis is needed, including the development and activation of maternal mortality review committees, which can systematically assess maternal deaths and recommend systemic-based interventions and policy changes to reverse this trend. Women's health nurse practitioners and midwives are uniquely positioned to provide insight to maternal mortality review committees, given their holistic approach and person-centered philosophy of care. The Washington State Department of Health developed a robust committee that uses women's health nurse practitioners and midwives in its review and may serve as a model for other state organizations.