With 99% of maternal deaths occurring in developing countries, it is too often assumed
that maternal mortality is not a problem in wealthier countries. Yet, statistics released
in September of 2010 by the United Nations place the United States 50th in the world
for maternal mortality ��� with maternal mortality ratios higher than almost all European
countries, as well as several countries in Asia and the Middle East [
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: January 18, 2011
Accepted:
November 19,
2010
Received:
November 17,
2010
Identification
Copyright
© 2011 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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- To improve maternity care in the United States, think midwivesContraceptionVol. 85Issue 1
- PreviewContraception's March 2011 editorial on maternal mortality in the United States raises an important question: Is the striking maternal mortality rate in this country a violation of basic human rights [1]? While that issue may be debatable, the underlying premise ��� that the American system of birth needs retooling ��� is not [2]. As the authors note, the overuse of medical interventions is a serious concern and, in all likelihood, a contributing factor to our high rate of maternal mortality. However, in their call to action, the authors fail to mention critical players in the effort to improve maternal health care: midwives.
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