Author: Martasia Carter, Senior in Public Health [email protected]
Every year, about 600 babies in Indiana die before their first birthday. In the same way, Indiana is also ranked #3 in the country for maternal mortality rates, according to an article by USA Today (2). These trends suggest a health disparity, as Indiana is only the 17th most populous state in the country. With infant and maternal mortality acting as key makers of population health, racial and socioeconomic disparities are also important to address. To be specific, Black and other underserved populations, namely American Indian/Alaska Native, are over two times more likely to experience infant and maternal deaths (2).
Recent studies show a 26.6% increase in maternal mortality rates from 2000 to current times (1). With new technological advancements ocurring in society on a daily basis, one would assume that since we, as a collective, are up to par on the most recent birthing technologies, this is sufficient in helping to reduce the prevalence of maternal and child deaths. Since, in the USA, we are technologically advanced, the suggestion of other factors playing a role in majority of maternal and child deaths is considered. In this way, circumstances, such as income and environment, are considered main determinants of maternal and child health disparities in the first place. Oftentimes, these determinants intertwine to forge a narrative for mothers and children in the country.
How many other social health determinants can you name?
Nonetheless, governmental agencies are aggressively attacking this issue. A few days ago, a law passed in the House which requires the formation of a committee that is dedicated to investigating maternal deaths in each state. This is surely a critical step in the right direction, but this does arise questions as to how this committee will be comprised, who will head and be on the committee, and what exactly will it do? Will this committee try to push forward the CDC's HealthyPeople 2020 objectives via policies? Will it be a group of House representatives who do community fieldwork? It's only a matter of time until we find this out as we near the next policy session.
Even with this potential solution, I would suggest starting with international policy and trickling its way down to individual countries and providences. First, the international policy system would need to be strengthened and its relevance restored. One of the downfalls of international policy is that it oftentimes has no authority over the sovereignty, the Constitution for example, of individual countries. Because maternal and infant mortality are issues impacting every country in the world, although some more than others, we must acknowledge the power of combatting this issue on an international scale.
In many ways, simply providing resources and/or monetary relief is insufficient, although helpful all of the time. Inciting change in this way requires a societal shift of mind, thought and perception. To be frank, women and families must be seen as valuable. I don't think it's a coincidence that countries where women are fundamentally undervalued and seen as "less than," such as in Afghanistan and Somalia, have some of the highest rates of both maternal and infant mortality in the world. In many ways, this idea could seem far-fetched. I mean, how do you undo thousands of years of cultural practices, and who has the authority to determine an entire societal belief is wrong anyway? To answer those questions, I'd say this is exactly the reason why we need belief in the unity of the international system.
Every year, about 600 babies in Indiana die before their first birthday. In the same way, Indiana is also ranked #3 in the country for maternal mortality rates, according to an article by USA Today (2). These trends suggest a health disparity, as Indiana is only the 17th most populous state in the country. With infant and maternal mortality acting as key makers of population health, racial and socioeconomic disparities are also important to address. To be specific, Black and other underserved populations, namely American Indian/Alaska Native, are over two times more likely to experience infant and maternal deaths (2).
Recent studies show a 26.6% increase in maternal mortality rates from 2000 to current times (1). With new technological advancements ocurring in society on a daily basis, one would assume that since we, as a collective, are up to par on the most recent birthing technologies, this is sufficient in helping to reduce the prevalence of maternal and child deaths. Since, in the USA, we are technologically advanced, the suggestion of other factors playing a role in majority of maternal and child deaths is considered. In this way, circumstances, such as income and environment, are considered main determinants of maternal and child health disparities in the first place. Oftentimes, these determinants intertwine to forge a narrative for mothers and children in the country.
How many other social health determinants can you name?
Nonetheless, governmental agencies are aggressively attacking this issue. A few days ago, a law passed in the House which requires the formation of a committee that is dedicated to investigating maternal deaths in each state. This is surely a critical step in the right direction, but this does arise questions as to how this committee will be comprised, who will head and be on the committee, and what exactly will it do? Will this committee try to push forward the CDC's HealthyPeople 2020 objectives via policies? Will it be a group of House representatives who do community fieldwork? It's only a matter of time until we find this out as we near the next policy session.
Even with this potential solution, I would suggest starting with international policy and trickling its way down to individual countries and providences. First, the international policy system would need to be strengthened and its relevance restored. One of the downfalls of international policy is that it oftentimes has no authority over the sovereignty, the Constitution for example, of individual countries. Because maternal and infant mortality are issues impacting every country in the world, although some more than others, we must acknowledge the power of combatting this issue on an international scale.
In many ways, simply providing resources and/or monetary relief is insufficient, although helpful all of the time. Inciting change in this way requires a societal shift of mind, thought and perception. To be frank, women and families must be seen as valuable. I don't think it's a coincidence that countries where women are fundamentally undervalued and seen as "less than," such as in Afghanistan and Somalia, have some of the highest rates of both maternal and infant mortality in the world. In many ways, this idea could seem far-fetched. I mean, how do you undo thousands of years of cultural practices, and who has the authority to determine an entire societal belief is wrong anyway? To answer those questions, I'd say this is exactly the reason why we need belief in the unity of the international system.
- Boulware, D. R. (2017). Recent Increases in the U.S. Maternal Mortality Rate. Obstetrics & Gynecology,129(2), 385-386. doi:10.1097/aog.0000000000001879.
- Indiana ranked #3 in country for maternal mortality rates, according to new report. (2018, September 20). Retrieved December 16, 2018, from https://cbs4indy.com/2018/09/20/indiana-ranked-3-in-country-for-maternal-mortality-rates-according-to-new-report/