It's dangerous to be a pregnant woman in the United States today — and the situation keeps getting worse.
Currently, a woman is more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications in the United States than in most other developed nations — particularly if that woman happens to not be white. And the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says that most of those deaths are entirely preventable.
Survivors need to know more about the problems that lead to maternal deaths so that they know when to ask questions and when to seek an attorney's help.
Racial Bias And Social Bias May Influence Treatment Decisions
If that sounds shocking, consider this: between 2011 and 2015, the mortality rate for mothers-to-be and new mothers in this country rose to an average of 17.2 deaths per 100,000 live births. However, among African American women alone, the average is 42.8 deaths per 100,000 live births. Among American Indian and Alaskan Natives, the average is 32.5 deaths per 100,000 live births. By comparison, only 4 women die for every 100,000 live births in Sweden.
Researchers have also discovered that single mothers are more likely to die as a result of pregnancy, as are women who only have a high school education. All of this points to the fact that there are issues in play that have less to do with the ordinary risks of pregnancy and more to do with how new mothers are regarded when they develop complications.
If you're pregnant or have recently had a child and develop complications, who you are and how you are treated may depend a lot on where you are and the color of your skin.
The CDC Says Hospitals And Doctors Could Do Better
The CDC has outlined nearly 40 ways that hospitals and doctors could do better. Namely, they could take more care when it comes to addressing the symptoms of serious complications before and after birth. Women with conditions like preeclampsia are going untreated for far too long. Others have slowly bled to death following botched deliveries. Some have sought treatment only to have dangerous symptoms — like a swollen leg that might indicate a blood clot — dismissed.
A Wrongful Death Attorney Could Help
It's entirely clear that many maternal deaths can be prevented — but you can't expect a hospital to own up to its mistake if your loved one dies. More than likely, the hospital or doctor involved will talk about "unforeseen consequences" and use other vague terms to describe their negligence.
More than likely, these women leave behind children and other family members who need them and their support. Wrongful death law allows the survivors to press a claim that will hold negligent hospitals and doctors accountable and provide helpful monetary relief for the families.
If you suspect that your loved one's death from pregnancy-related complications could have prevented, take action today.
