How can employers help reduce maternal mortality?

In the United States, maternal mortality has drastically increased over the years from 10.3 per 100,000 live births in 1991 to 17.4 per 100,000 live births as of 2018. Even in the era of efficient and advanced technology, the US, one of the most developed nations, faces this challenge that leads to the death of over 700 women each year.

A very disturbing part of this challenge is that black women are 3 to 4 times more likely to die because of childbirth than white women. In the US, employers offer benefits for birth and related procedures, however, complications turn out to be astonishingly costly, as much as $5,100 per C-section. It is estimated that even a 1% decrease in C-sections could save employers almost $97 million.

Maternal health is the fifth focus goal of Millennium Development Goals adopted by the WHO, however, our government and employers have not made significant improvement for this fatal challenge that impacts mothers. According to Harvard Business Review, employers must demand hospitals to provide justifiable evidence in order to proceed with risky procedures such as C-sections, as many of these procedures are carried out unnecessarily. Employers should focus on ensuring a healthy pregnancy and implement the right set of policies and programs.

1. A good health plan should cover preconception, prenatal and postnatal care services.

2. Create the right policy to earn sick leave to lower postpartum depression and provide care to the infant during the early stages.

3. Provide a list of high quality care providers that are low cost, low cesarean birth rates

and low maternal mortality/morbidity.

4. Create health and wellness programs that address

    - Counseling for preconception and pregnancy related complications     - Exercises and nutrition focus during pregnancy

5. Offer flexibility of work from home option, wherever applicable, or staggered work hours to avoid women having to chose between paycheck and their health.

Even though the USA produces pioneers across various fields, there is a need to create awareness on maternal mortality among our communities. Maternal mortality has a devastating impact on all parts of society, and we can do much to improve and eradicate this challenge as a life lost for a life gained does not seem to be a fair equation. 

Sources:

Delbanco , Suzanne, et al. “The Rising U.S. Maternal Mortality Rate Demands Action from Employers.” Harvard Business Review, 28 June 2019, hbr.org/2019/06/the-rising-u-s-maternal-mortality-rate-demands-action-from-employers.

www.who.int/topics/millennium_development_goals/about/en/.

“First Data Released on Maternal Mortality in Over a Decade.” 30 Jan. 2020, www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/nchs_press_releases/2020/202001_MMR.htm.