The U.S. maternal death rate was 17 per 100,000 live births in 2018—more than double that of other developed countries according to a new report. There is an overall shortage of maternity care providers (including both obstetrician-gynecologists (OBGYNs) and midwives, but midwives in particular) relative to births, the report says. In most other countries, the number of midwives is several times greater than the number of OBGYNs and primary care “plays a central role in the health system.” Maternal deaths in the U.S. frequently occur post-birth, and the United States is the only studied country that does not guarantee access to provider visits or postpartum paid parental leave. Read more.
