maternal mortality

maternal mortality is a global concern, but it is not just under-developed countries where it is most prevalent. in 2007, the world health organization (WHO) reported that 40 countries have lower maternal death rates than the united states. FORTY countries? this is the u.s. ppl! this shouldn't happen! the world mortality rate is higher now than in 2000. as many as one in six women in parts of africa dies from pregnancy- or birth-related complications. every minute of every day, somewhere in the world, a woman dies of pregnancy- or birth-related complications. this adds up to more than half a million women each year.

in the united states, the post-birth care has significantly decreased, making complications that could easily have been treated in a hospital immediately fatal instead. some common problems are infection, hypertension, septic shock, and amniotic-fluid embolism. the centers for disease control (CDC) has estimated that more than half of these deaths could have been prevented with diagnosis and treatment. Ina May Gaskin, a certified professional midwife explains, "they used to keep women in the hospital for 10 days after birth because they were so worried about complications. by the 60's, they shortened that to five days, and in the early 90's suddenly the hospitals switched and made everyone get out in two or three days." two days is not enough. "you're home, you're still hurting, you could be infected, you could still have something in your uterus. all these things can be dangerous, and they can be easily fixed if you spot the trouble in time."

so how do we lower our percentage of deaths? a simple combo of rest and at-home check-ins by a postpartum nurse or midwife for several days after delivery. this kind of program is de rigueur in the netherlands where the risk of dying by pregnancy and childbirth-related complications is one in 10,200. the united states' number is one in 4,800. <<

sarah brown, wife of the british prime minister and co-chair of the maternal mortality leadership group puts it best: "when you save a mother's life, you save the best person to raise her children, feed, clothe, vaccinate, and educate them, and also contribute to her community, her economy, her environment. ***save the mothers and you can save the world."

what can you do to help? support the white ribbon alliance for safe motherhood (WRA) which is a coalition of medical professionals and others from 140 countries who are working on behalf of women worldwide. visit whiteribbonalliance.org
also, you can write to your congressperson or local newspaper in support of maternal health legislation.

info from jenna gabrial gallagher, harper's bazaar.