Studies have shown that maternal deaths have risen twice as much in Texas, but it’s not only the state that has to worry. Data indicates that the increase in maternal mortality is happening across the United States.
Researchers report that in 2012, 148 women in Texas died because of pregnancy-related conditions, a jump from 72 deaths in 2010. Also, the maternal death rate rose sharply from 18 for every 100,000 births in 2006 to 36 for every 100,000 births in 2014, Tech Times reports.
Dr. Daniel Grossman from the University of Texas says the numbers are “a tragedy.” He adds,
This is a problem we should be able to address and fix.
The increase in maternal mortality rates in Texas are reflective of the slash in its family planning budget, but researchers did not point to it as the reason for the growing numbers. Truth be told, no one seems to know exactly what the root of this prevalence is.
Sarah Wheat of Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas has noted that family planning centers are entry points for women who need access to the health care system. With these clinics closed due to budget cuts, women may not have the immediate care they require for their babies to become healthy.
Texas is not alone, however. The US as a whole has seen a rise in maternal deaths from 1993 to 2013. The World Health Organization points out that it is the only developed country with this mortality rate.
According to WHO, the average maternal death rate in developed countries is 12 for every 100,000 live births. Texas’ 2014 numbers mean that the state has surpassed the average maternal mortality rate three times over.
The U.S. had an average maternal death rate of 23.8% in 2014, a few steps up from 18.8% in 2000.
Texas has put together a task force to get to the bottom of the problem, the results of which will be released in September.
Maternal deaths are caused by many factors, but the fact is that many American women don’t have access to affordable, good quality health care. Low-income mothers are especially at risk, not only because of the lack of access to prenatal care but also because poverty leads to poor general health, which in turn increases pregnancy risk factors from diseases.
The study was published in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
