1. Maternal Mortality and Maternity Care in the United States Compared to 10 Other Developed Countries
- Author:
- Laurie Zephyrin, Molly FitzGerald, Munira Z. Gunja, and Roosa Tikkanen
- Publication Date:
- 11-2020
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- Commonwealth Fund
- Abstract:
- The U.S. has the highest maternal mortality rate among developed countries. Obstetrician-gynecologists (ob-gyns) are overrepresented in its maternity care workforce relative to midwives, and there is an overall shortage of maternity care providers (both ob-gyns and midwives) relative to births. In most other countries, midwives outnumber ob-gyns by severalfold, and primary care plays a central role in the health system. Although a large share of its maternal deaths occur postbirth, the U.S. is the only country not to guarantee access to provider home visits or paid parental leave in the postpartum period.
- Topic:
- Health, Health Care Policy, Women, and Reproductive Health
- Political Geography:
- United States and Global Focus