African-American, Native American and Alaska Native women die of pregnancy-related causes at a rate about three times higher than those of white women, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported on Tuesday. The racial disparity has persisted, even grown, for years despite frequent calls to improve access to medical care for women of color. Sixty percent of all pregnancy-related deaths can be prevented with better health care, communication and support, the researchers concluded. “Ensuring quality care for mothers throughout their pregnancies and postpartum should be among our nation’s highest priorities,” said Dr. Robert R. Redfield, director of the C.D.C. “I urge the public health community to increase awareness with all expectant and new mothers about the signs of serious pregnancy complications and the need for preventive care that can and does save lives.”

Source: New York Times May 07, 2019 17:04 UTC