The World Health Organization recently reported a global decline in the maternal mortality rate over the past 20 years—but pregnancy related deaths in the United States more than doubled across the same two decades. Why is motherhood such a precarious state in a prosperous country like ours?
Tag: Maternal Health
Memo to the March for Life: Trump’s Anti-Immigrant Rhetoric is More Dangerous Than Abortion
At the March for Life today, so-called “pro-life” activists will undoubtedly celebrate the strides that have been made by the Trump administration on behalf of their anti-abortion cause. But if the movement is truly driven by the value of respecting the dignity of and preserving human life, they should reconsider celebrating Trump as their champion.
New Anti-Immigrant Policies, Same Old Sexism
Consular officials now have the authority to deny a visitor visa to any pregnant women if they have reason to believe that she intends to travel to the U.S. for the “primary purpose” of giving birth.
Birth Through a False Divide
In the aftermath of my son’s birth, I found myself caught between two clashing world views.
Three Ways We Can Confront Sexism, Racism and Classism During Pregnancy
Until we learn to truly trust the people giving birth to know what’s best for themselves and their babies, we will continue to spend more healthcare dollars per person than any other country—while killing and traumatizing increasing numbers of parents with our ignorance.
Moms Need Wide-Ranging Mental Health Care
Unrealistic expectations of motherhood undermine the mental health of moms.
Happy Black Breastfeeding Week!
For far too many Black mothers, cultural stigma and a lack of access to quality healthcare and family-friendly workplace policies systematically prevent us from holding the power to decide for ourselves.
Maternal Mistreatment at the Intersections
The largest-ever study of mistreatment during childbirth confirmed that giving birth in the U.S. is dangerous for all women—and especially dangerous for women of color.
Why Do Lawmakers Want to Make the Women’s Health Care Crisis Even Worse?
Restricting access to abortion is simply part of a system of catastrophic failures to provide basic, essential, life-saving women’s health care services. The proof is staring us right in the face.
This Mother’s Day, Congress Should Stand Up for Moms of Color
We believe that this Congressional class—the most diverse in years, and full of firsts—will lead this country in the direction of better supporting women of color who want to have children, without the looming threat of losing their lives and their economic stability.