At least 700 women die every year from pregnancy-related causes, giving the U.S. the highest maternal mortality rate among similarly wealthy nations. Research has shown that about 3 out of 5 pregnancy-related deaths are preventable. Additionally, there are significant racial disparities in maternal mortality rates, with Black and Indigenous mothers dying at two to four times the rate of white mothers. This webinar will explore the current state of maternal mortality in the United States, potential strategies to decrease the disparities in maternal deaths, and examples of state legislative actions to reduce rates.
Moderator
- Tammy Jo Hill, policy specialist, NCSL Health Program
Speakers
- Dr. Elizabeth Howell, chair, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine
- Khanh H. Nguyen, senior policy specialist, NCSL Health Program
- Representative Katie Dempsey (R-GA)
- Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages (D-NY)