Bishops’ call to address ‘maternal health crisis’ highlights U.S. maternal death rate
In a recent plea to Congress, the U.S. bishops emphasized the urgent need to address the "maternal health crisis" affecting American women, who experience a notably high maternal mortality rate compared to other nations.
Physicians and women's advocates have long been concerned about the U.S. maternal mortality rate, which consistently ranks higher than that of other developed countries. According to the CIA’s World Factbook, the U.S. maternal death ratio per 100,000 births is more than double that of nations like France and Greece, and nearly triple that of Switzerland.
The bishops highlighted data showing that the maternal mortality rate has increased over the past two decades.
“Women must … receive maternal health care that encompasses a wholistic view of their inherent dignity and value as expressed in the unique and God-given role of motherhood,” the prelates said.