The World Health Organization says that there are more woman in the United States dying after giving birth than in 40 other countries. Maternal mortality, also called "obstetrical death," involves a new mother dying within 42 days of giving birth. In 2005, 11 out of 100,000 pregnancies in the US resulted in maternal mortality.
According to a new report commissioned by the California Department of Health, the number of woman that have died from maternal mortality in the state in the last 10 years has nearly tripled from 5.6 fatalities/100,000 births to 16.9/100,000 births in 2006.
Blood clots, deep vein thrombosis, underlying cardiac disease, and hemorrhage are some common causes of maternal mortality. Failure to make sure that all pregnant women, especially those who are poor or uninsured, get the proper medical care is another cause of obstetrical death.
Although maternal mortality is still not considered common, Joint Commission president Mark Chasin says that up to 50% of these deaths could have been prevented. A report by Amnesty International called "Deadly Delivery" says that one in four women in the US don't receive antenatal check-ups, which can determine whether a woman is suffering from birthing complications or other health issues.
A mother might die after childbirth because her medical provider failed to notice important warning signs. In the event that this happens, surviving family members may have grounds for an Orange County, California medical malpractice lawsuit.
The Centers for Disease Control says that obesity, asthma, diabetes, and other health issues can sometimes lead to complications with pregnancy. Public health experts also say that the rise in C-section births--according to the CDC, 31% of moms opt to undergo this procedure--may be contributing to maternal mortality.
If your child or his/her mother died from pregnancy or delivery complications or because the doctor was negligent in providing the proper care, you may have grounds for filing a Orange County, California wrongful death lawsuit.
Having a baby should be a time of joy, not of sorrow. There is no greater loss for a parent than losing a child. For a newborn to lose his/her mother is devastating.
Amnesty report condemns US death rates of women in childbirth, Guardian.co.UK, March 12, 2010
Maternal Mortality Rates Rising in California, Preventing Maternal Mortality, ABC News, March 4, 2010
Related Web Resources:
Maternal Health in the US, Amnesty International USA (PDF)
Maternal Mortality, World Health Organization
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