Despite spending billions on healthcare, the United States has shockingly high rates of maternal deaths compared to other wealthy countries, with the situation worsening in recent years. A new report reveals that the U.S. has a maternal mortality rate of 22 deaths per 100,000 live births, far exceeding that of other high-income nations. Factors like mental health issues, racial disparities, a shortage of healthcare providers, and an aging population are driving this crisis. With many deaths occurring after childbirth, experts warn that better postpartum care and support could be crucial in addressing this growing problem.

Despite spending trillions on health care, the US continues to top wealthy nations in maternal fatalities; some experts label the recent increase as unprecedented.

A report by the Commonwealth Fund, an independent research institution that focuses on health care issues, attributes this “crisis” to a lack of specialized care providers, racial inequities, and mental health difficulties reports George Citroner from The Epoch Times.

A Deficit in Healthcare Workers

According to a recent analysis, the maternal mortality rate in the United States in 2022 was 22 deaths per 100,000 live births, which was much higher than the rates in other high-income countries—often more than double or even tripling them. Less than five maternal fatalities were reported for every 100,000 live births in half of the countries included in the investigation.

Dr. James Thorp, an obstetrician-gynecologist at the Sisters of St. Mary’s Health System in Saint Louis, Missouri, described the rise in maternal deaths over the previous several years as “stunning and unprecedented” in an interview with The Epoch Times. “And it really went … kind of unrecognized, kind of just slipped under the door, so to speak,” he noted.

The term “maternal mortality” refers to the death of a woman from any cause during or within 42 days of the end of her pregnancy, except unintentional or incidental causes. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that severe bleeding, infections, high blood pressure during pregnancy, delivery difficulties, and botched abortion account for about 75% of maternal deaths globally.

According to studies by the Commonwealth Fund, the majority of maternal deaths in the US happen during the postpartum phase, particularly in the late postpartum phase between 43 and 365 days following delivery. Women are more vulnerable to significant bleeding, elevated blood pressure, and infection during this crucial period.

With only 16 midwives and obstetricians per 1,000 live births, the data reveals a deficiency of maternal care providers in the US. The authors stated that comprehensive postpartum care, such as home visits from midwives and nurses, is essential to addressing maternal and mental health issues and determining societal health causes.

The results are consistent with a 2020 study that was published in The Lancet Global Health. The study proposed that incorporating midwives into the delivery of healthcare could supply 80% of the necessary care for mothers, potentially lowering maternal deaths by 22%, neonatal deaths by nearly 23%, and stillbirths by 14%.

Various Elements Drive the Growth

The high rates of maternal mortality in the United States are caused by several intricate factors. These consist of an aging population, the ongoing obesity plandemic, and related health issues.

Studies indicate that an increasing number of women are falling pregnant while suffering from chronic illnesses like obesity or cardiovascular disease, or are having children later in age. The likelihood of difficulties during pregnancy and labor is increased by these factors.

The growing number of cesarean sections could also be a factor since these operations have been associated with higher mortality rates for the mother (due to blood clots or anesthesia-related issues) and the infant.

When a cause for a pregnancy-related fatality was determined, mental health disorders were most frequently the underlying cause, according to a September 2022 study from the U.S. Centers for Control and Prevention (CDC). These illnesses accounted for 23 percent of deaths, more than infection (9 percent), bleeding (14 percent), and heart problems (13 percent). These conditions included death by suicide, overdose, or poisoning associated with substance use disorders.

Dr. Thorp claims that there is also a discrepancy in healthcare results about spending.

Despite spending significantly more on healthcare than in India, the United States has higher rates of maternal deaths. India spends only $21 per person annually, compared to the United States around $14,000 per person. Dr. Thorp asserted that India, a country four times larger than the United States, has “a better grade than we do.”

Previously, GreatGameInternational reported that, according to the 2023 estimates from the World Factbook, a ranking of countries with the highest infant mortality rates has been compiled, with Afghanistan and Somalia leading the list.