The Issue With Rising Death Rates Among Mothers From Childbirth Part 1 November 12, 2018.

While there are mothers giving birth in the United States without any complications, there are those who are experiencing severe injuries. Annually, over 50,000 injuries and 700 death occur due to medical professionals neglecting proper procedures. Instead of making improvements to these situations, the United States has become the most dangerous country to give birth while other countries improve birthing practices.

Critical Investigation Occurs

According to USA Today, after examining over half-million pages of cases containing internal hospital quality records of over 150 women who experienced tragic deliveries, 75 birthing hospitals were contacted to determine if recommended procedures were followed. Upon review of these documents and follow-up interviews, reporters were able to reveal that there was an astounding lack of regard to safety and these new mothers were not adequately protected.

USA Today obtained dozens of records from hospitals in New York, Pennsylvania, and the Carolinas. In these hospitals, they determined that less than half of the mothers received prompt treatment for dangerous blood pressure putting them at a higher risk for stroke. According to these same records, less than 15 percent of these mothers at those hospitals who were under distress received recommended treatments.

Hospitals and Communities of All Sizes

It isn’t uncommon for this lack of attention to occur in hospitals of all sizes and in communities where there are small birthing units or significant birthing centers utilizing state-of-the-art training and technology. Mothers can experience this kind of negligence in their doctor’s office when signs of serious complications are missed, or their doctor fails to act upon them. These occurrences can happen either during the pregnancy or following delivery.

 

Mortality Rates

In the United States, there has been a rise in the mortality rate in comparison to other countries. For example, between 1990 and 2015, the number of deaths related to giving birth in the majority of developed countries is either dropping or running flat per 100,000 births. As of 2016, out of every 100,000 births, there are 48.4 deaths in Georgia occurring. Indiana has 43.6 deaths arising out of every 100,000 births. Louisiana has 58.1 deaths arising out of every 100,000 births. Each of these states has a maternal mortality review program in place, but their hospital and doctor failures aren’t apparent.

Hospitals Recognizing Need for Standards

Hospitals are recognizing the need to save mother’s lives through the development of standardized care. Participation in a voluntary childbirth safety improvement program has nearly doubled in the past year by maternity hospitals seeking endorsement by leading medical societies. Despite these efforts, though, mothers feel like doctors aren’t listening to them during an emergency. It isn’t uncommon for these mothers to feel powerless and experience frustration and anger during these situations.

Where to Go for Help

If you or someone you know is going through this situation, it’s vital that you contact an attorney immediately. The attorneys at The Mellino Law Firm LLC will provide you with a no-cost consultation and assist you with getting your case started. Contact us today to get started.