Despite its affordable cost of living, Indiana grapples with a disturbing healthcare crisis—high maternal mortality rates. Surprisingly, the average healthcare expenditure in the state is among the highest in the nation, with emergency room visits costing significantly more than in neighboring states. Yet, the quality of care remains alarmingly inadequate. Indiana ranks among the top three states for childbirth-related deaths and complications.
A comprehensive study by a national news outlet, which gathered data from the CDC and other health organizations, revealed sobering statistics: the maternal mortality rate is 41.4 deaths per 100,000 live births for white women and a staggering 53.4 for African-American mothers. When compared to states like California, Indiana’s mothers are eleven times more likely to die from childbirth complications. Disturbingly, the maternal death rate in Indiana surpasses that of Iraq, a country with significantly fewer healthcare resources.
On a national level, the U.S. faces a maternal mortality rate of 20.7 per 100,000 births, which is double the rate of other developed nations. This is a glaring issue that demands urgent attention.
Compounding this crisis is the reduction in vital resources that could help mitigate these deaths. For instance, a Planned Parenthood clinic in Fort Wayne, Indiana’s second-largest city, was closed in June 2018. Organizations like these are crucial as they offer affordable reproductive health services, including contraception, which can lead to fewer unintended pregnancies and subsequent complications.
Moreover, a proposed law aimed at funding doulas statewide, which could provide essential support to expectant mothers, lost its financial backing during the last legislative session. Doulas play a critical role in advocating for maternal health and ensuring a safer childbirth experience. Given Indiana’s rising maternal death rates, such initiatives could have made a significant difference, especially in rural areas where maternal healthcare is scarce.
Dr. Emily Foster, a commissioner at the Indiana State Department of Health, pointed out that many maternal deaths occur in “maternity deserts,” areas lacking adequate healthcare facilities. She highlighted that 33 counties in Indiana either have no hospitals or lack obstetric services, leaving mothers vulnerable during emergencies. In critical situations like hemorrhage or severe hypertension, the absence of timely medical intervention can be fatal.
The recent findings from the national study indicate that maternal deaths are not solely attributable to poverty or pre-existing health conditions, as previously suggested. According to the CDC, a significant portion of the 700-800 maternal deaths each year in the U.S. could be prevented with appropriate interventions. However, there is an absence of standardized protocols for urgent pregnancy-related health issues, which could otherwise provide life-saving care.
The heartbreaking reality is that, despite knowing that effective protocols could improve maternal outcomes, inadequate action continues to be taken. Instead, crucial funding for programs supporting maternal health is being cut.
This situation raises critical questions: Why are pregnant and postpartum women not receiving the care they deserve in one of the wealthiest countries? Why is maternal health not prioritized? Until these questions are addressed, the trend of maternal mortality will continue to rise, adversely affecting countless families.
For more insights on this pressing issue and related topics, check out our blog post here. You can also find valuable information on fertility and pregnancy resources from Make A Mom and Mount Sinai.
In summary, Indiana is facing a maternal mortality crisis that is exacerbated by the lack of accessible healthcare and funding cuts to essential services. The alarming statistics reveal a need for immediate action to safeguard the lives of mothers and their babies, while also addressing the systemic issues within the healthcare system.