Absolutely stunned to hear that USA has the most maternal deaths in the world. And that 4 times...

bijouxbroussard · F Best Comment

Absolutely. Those who have less money have less access to healthcare, which makes all the difference.
It’s the same in the U.S.

There’s a major disparity in how women of color are treated for pregnancy-related complications. Findings show that Black moms are roughly three times more likely to die in childbirth or of pregnancy-related complications than non-Hispanic white women, while Native American and Alaskan Native women are about two-and-a-half times more likely.

The reasons why are complicated. Women of color are more likely to have risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, late prenatal care and obesity. Poverty and a lack of access to health care increase the chances that these issues end up going untreated — and resulting in issues that could lead to maternal death.

Institutionalized racism plays a big part, too. When women of color with access to health care speak up about a concern, they’re more likely to be dismissed and ultimately go untreated.

BlueVeins · 22-25

First part isn't actually true, the highest maternal mortality rates occur in Sierra Leone, CAR, Chad, Nigeria, and South Sudan. But the US does have a gigantic problem with lack of healthcare access among lower income folks, which is a consequence of our privatized healthcare system. Other wealthy countries with single payer such as France, Norway, and Canada enjoy significantly lower rates. The racial disparity only underscores the extent to which race and class issues are intertwined in this country.

deadgerbil · 26-30, M

I thought it was relative to other wealthy nations. Still tho, there's no excuse for it. Healthcare isn't prioritized in this country bc that is sOcIaLisM. Couple that with the continued assaults on planned Parenthood which provides a ton of services related to women's health. It's embarrassing how regressive the US can be

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sexyjigsaw

What can be done to safeguard these women?

Until they matter to the government, nobody will be able to help them. The hospitals run like a business and simply don't care when they can help, either. No "handouts"