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Resolving the Maternal Mortality Crisis in Louisiana: An Appeal for Immediate Action
Maternal mortality rates are high in Louisiana, particularly for black moms. This is a serious public health concern that has to be addressed immediately. Louisiana has the regrettable distinction of having the highest rate in the country, at 58.1 deaths per 100,000 births. Significant racial disparities contribute to this catastrophe; black mothers essentially have a four-fold greater death rate than white mothers.
If 59% of black maternal fatalities are considered preventable, compared to only 9% for white moms, then implicit prejudice in healthcare plays a major role in these discrepancies. This emphasizes how urgently the healthcare system has to undergo fundamental changes to overcome racial prejudices and guarantee that all moms have fair access to high-quality treatment.
Louisiana’s Joint Commission has taken proactive measures to enhance maternal health outcomes after realizing the seriousness of the problem. They introduced new guidelines for treating pregnancy-related illnesses like hypertension and hemorrhaging in January 2021. These guidelines are intended to improve the standard of care given to expectant patients and lower the number of avoidable maternal fatalities.
In addition to these initiatives, Louisiana state representatives have set high standards to reduce maternal mortality. By pledging to execute comprehensive initiatives to enhance maternal health outcomes throughout the state, they have set a goal to reduce maternal fatalities by 20% by Mother’s Day 2020.
By promoting federal legislation, congressmen play a critical role in addressing the rate of maternal death. They can back efforts to improve access to healthcare services, particularly antenatal and postpartum care, by enacting policies like Medicaid expansion and providing more money to community health centers. Congressmen can also support initiatives aimed at addressing socioeconomic determinants of health, such as poverty, unstable housing, and limited access to chances for education and employment, which have an impact on maternal well-being. Congressmen have the ability to contribute to the creation of safer pregnancies and improved maternal health outcomes by advocating for policies that target these fundamental elements.
House Resolution No. 99 was introduced by Representative Carpenter, a Democrat member of the Louisiana House of Representatives, in 2021. Representative Carpenter is known for their advocacy on maternal health issues and their dedication to improving healthcare outcomes for mothers and families in Louisiana. As the sponsor of this resolution, Representative Carpenter demonstrates a commitment to raising awareness about maternal mental health and promoting initiatives that support mothers’ mental well-being throughout the perinatal period. Their leadership on this issue highlights the importance of addressing maternal mental health challenges and ensuring that mothers receive the care and support they need for a healthy pregnancy and postpartum experience.
Due to ongoing talks, the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act (HR 959) is still pending in the Senate as of February 2022. A Senate select committee proposed expulsion in February 2022, but a Republican caucus ruled that there wasn’t enough time for discussion before the end of the session. After Patterson’s tenure ended on March 3, 2022, nothing more was done.
Reintroducing legislation to address maternal death rates is an important step for legislators who want to improve maternal health outcomes. Congressmen can help reduce maternal mortality by reintroducing and campaigning for legislation targeted at improving access to healthcare services, addressing racial inequities, supporting maternal mental health, and encouraging evidence-based practices. If elected, I will commit to bringing forth legislation to lower our maternal mortality rate.
