New Bill to Examine Fatal Complications of Childbirth

A new piece of legislation—if signed into law—will allocate millions of dollars in funding to states to help determine why an alarming number of women die during childbirth. A detailed article on the bill is available here.

The Scope of the Problem

The number of childbirth-related deaths in the United States has risen. Currently, the U.S. is the most dangerous place in the developed world to give birth. Every year, approximately 50,000 women are severely harmed by complications related to childbirth. Some 700 of those women die. Some studies indicate best medical practices to quickly diagnose and treat complications could reduce these numbers by half. In the United States:

  • 4 mothers die per 100,000 births
  • In 1990, 16 mothers died per 100,000
  • Some 700 mothers die every year
  • 137 suffer severe complications daily

Local Numbers Even Worse

In North Carolina, women suffer severe injuries during childbirth more often than average. In the state, about 160 women per every 10,000 deliveries are injured—compared to a national average of 144. Records from three hospitals in the state indicate most mothers who experience dangerous complications do not receive proper care.

About the Bill

The legislation—known as H.R. 1318 or the “Preventing Maternal Deaths Act of 2018″—has passed both the Senate and House. It will soon head to the President’s desk for his signature. The goal is to help determine why women die from complications of pregnancy and childbirth at a troubling rate. H.R. 1318 would provide $12 million in fiscal year 2019 to collect and analyze standardized data on every mother’s death. The hope is to identify how to lower the number of deaths and injuries.

While the bill does not require states to examine if medical mistakes play a role, it would allow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to require they scrutinize medical care in order to receive grant funding. Supporters say state review committees must study delayed diagnoses and failures to treat childbirth emergencies—as these steps would allow them to identify trends, take appropriate actions, and prevent needless deaths.

We Can Help

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries due to medical misdiagnosis, prescription errors, or surgical mistakes; call the experienced North Carolina Medical Malpractice Attorneys at Henson Fuerst today at 919-781-1107 or complete a free initial consultation form.

When you call, you will speak with one of our experienced Raleigh Personal Injury Attorneys. They will investigate every detail of your situation at no cost to you—and fight hard to protect your rights. At Henson Fuerst, you will never pay an attorney’s fee up front—and you owe us nothing unless we recover for you.

Call Henson Fuerst, Because Your Case Matters

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