Mistreatment and Discrimination in Maternity Care: CDC Urges Action to Reduce Pregnancy-Related Deaths
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is calling for action to address the mistreatment and discrimination that women face during maternity care in the United States. The CDC emphasizes that improving the quality of maternity care is crucial in reducing pregnancy-related deaths.
A recent survey revealed that some women have reported feeling mistreated during maternal care, and there are disparities based on race/ethnicity and insurance types. Dr. Debra Houry, the CDC’s chief medical officer, expressed concern over the high number of preventable pregnancy-related deaths, particularly among women from racial and ethnic minority groups. She called for the promotion of respectful maternity care, which includes preventing mistreatment, effective communication, and equitable healthcare.
Dr. Wanda Barfield, director of the CDC division of reproductive health, highlighted the significance of women feeling heard and receiving proper care to ensure their well-being. She acknowledged that mistreatment and discrimination can lead to delays in treatment and even preventable deaths. Dr. Barfield emphasized the need for healthcare providers to receive training on unconscious bias and culturally appropriate care as a starting point to provide respectful maternity care to all women.
The CDC’s call to action is particularly urgent as maternal mortality rates have been increasing in the United States, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, there were 1,205 maternal deaths in the country, with a rate of 32.9 deaths per 100,000 live births. This represents an increase from previous years. Historically, mortality rates among Black women have been higher than those for white women, and this trend continued in 2021, with Black women experiencing a rate of 69.9 deaths per 100,000 compared to 26.6 deaths per 100,000 for white women. Furthermore, Hispanic women’s maternal mortality rates surpassed those of white women for the first time, with a rate of 28 deaths per 100,000.
To address these alarming numbers, the CDC recommends various strategies for healthcare systems. These include fostering a culture of respect by hiring a diverse staff, providing unconscious bias and stigma training, promoting shared decision-making between patients and doctors, improving communication with patients, and promoting cultural awareness. The CDC also suggests that the inclusion of doulas and midwives could enhance the patient experience by providing support during pregnancy and delivery.
The CDC is actively promoting its Hear Her campaign, which offers resources for both healthcare providers and pregnant and postpartum women. The campaign provides information on identifying warning signs during pregnancy to ensure prompt and life-saving care.
In conclusion, the CDC’s focus on addressing mistreatment and discrimination in maternity care is essential to reduce pregnancy-related deaths. By prioritizing respectful maternity care, healthcare providers can play a crucial role in improving outcomes for women and reducing disparities.
