During my labor with my third child, everything seemed to be going smoothly—until it suddenly wasn’t. A palpable sense of urgency swept through the room, and I could see the forced “everything is fine” smile on my partner’s face, which barely concealed his own anxiety. Medical staff rushed in for a blood sample, discussing the possibility of a transfusion and the need to determine my blood type.
I had suffered a placental abruption—where part of the placenta detaches prematurely from the uterine wall—posing serious risks for both my baby and me. Thankfully, I was among the fortunate ones. With prompt medical intervention, my son was born safely, and we both emerged without lasting complications.
But what about those mothers who aren’t as lucky? Globally, a woman dies every two minutes due to complications related to pregnancy and childbirth. This staggering figure is only the beginning of a deeper crisis. According to the nonprofit Every Mother Counts, here are some alarming statistics:
- 99% of maternal deaths occur in developing countries.
- Maternal mortality rates have nearly doubled in the past 25 years.
- Women of color face a risk up to four times greater of dying during pregnancy and childbirth.
- The United States, despite spending more on healthcare per capita than any other nation, is the only industrialized country with a continuously rising maternal mortality rate.
So, why are so many women still facing life-threatening complications, especially in a developed nation like the U.S.? The reasons are complex but fundamentally highlight a stark inequality in prenatal and postpartum care for women from marginalized communities.
For those of us fortunate enough to have access to quality care, it’s easy to overlook the struggles of mothers who don’t share our privileges. Unfortunately, many barriers contribute to the unacceptably high maternal mortality rates. One major issue is access to prenatal and postnatal care. Transportation can be a significant obstacle; some women cannot find reliable rides to their appointments, especially in rural areas where they might have to travel for hours to receive basic care.
Moreover, there is a critical shortage of maternal care providers. While midwives could play a vital role in managing healthy pregnancies and births, many insurance plans do not cover their services. The rising costs of private insurance and the rollback of Medicaid expansion have further limited access to essential women’s health services, forcing some women to forgo care entirely.
Additionally, many women experience a lack of respect and dignity in healthcare settings, facing the assumption that they deserve “less than.” The overreliance on medical interventions—like inductions and cesarean sections—can result in complications, and inadequate prenatal education hampers women’s ability to plan and space their pregnancies healthily. These relentless financial, racial, and systemic obstacles keep women from the support they desperately need during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
Despite these daunting challenges, one organization is dedicated to making a difference: Every Mother Counts. Founded by Sarah Thompson, whose own experience during childbirth sparked her passion for maternal health, the organization aims to improve conditions and reduce mortality rates for underserved mothers.
Their documentary series, “Giving Birth in America,” showcases the experiences of mothers from diverse backgrounds across various states, including New York, Florida, Montana, Louisiana, and California. From urban centers to rural communities, these films reveal the shared struggles of mothers, showcasing stories that resonate with everyone, regardless of their circumstances.
Watching these documentaries is eye-opening, but it also inspires action for a cause that demands our attention. These women need our advocacy, and we must step up to support them. The “What Can I Do?” section on Every Mother Counts’ website provides specific actions to support legislative initiatives, while the “Policy and Advocacy” section keeps you informed about ongoing efforts to improve maternal health.
One critical legislative proposal is the MOMMIES (Maximizing Outcomes for Moms Through Medicaid Improvement and Enhancement of Services) Act, which aims to extend Medicaid coverage from 60 days to a full year postpartum and expand coverage for doula services.
“In 2018, there was unprecedented interest from lawmakers in enhancing maternal health outcomes and equity,” the site states. With organizations like Every Mother Counts and the involvement of people like you and me, we can make a meaningful impact by voting for candidates who advocate for these vital measures, raising awareness, and volunteering to improve prenatal and postpartum care for every mother, no matter her background.
It’s high time we address this critical issue.
Summary
This article discusses the urgent need for improved maternal health care, particularly for marginalized women, as highlighted by the documentary series “Giving Birth in America” from Every Mother Counts. It examines barriers to care, including transportation, lack of providers, and systemic inequalities, while calling for action and support to improve maternal health outcomes.