Midwives: The Answer to our Maternal Health Crisis?

The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate of any developed nation. While other nations are boasting of lowered maternal mortality rates, the U.S. rates of maternal death continues to climb, with women of color being four times more likely to die during childbirth than white women. The CDC estimates that almost 60 percent of these deaths are preventable.

Did you know that in countries like Great Britain, Sweden, Norway, and France, midwives deliver over half of all new babies, AND their rates of maternal mortality are much, much lower than rates in the US, where midwives attend only 10% of births? Studies show that US States that have done the most to integrate midwives have the best outcomes for mothers and babies, while those states that are the most restrictive toward midwives do worse.

Read this full article for more information on how midwifery care can have a positive impact on the maternal health crisis in the United States.