NE3 – Maternal Health Initiatives

Approximately 4 million women give birth annually in the United States. An estimated 52,000 will experience severe complications, including 500 and 600 maternal deaths, of which half have been identified as preventable. Also troubling are the significant racial and ethnic disparities in maternal mortality which have persisted for over 60 years. During this session Dr. Lu will review current initiatives that address these very alarming and costly trends in maternal morbidity and mortality. Improved systems of maternity care, public awareness and education related to the familial and societal burdens of maternal morbidity and mortality, and use of clinical guidelines and protocols for obstetric emergencies are part of the maternal health initiatives that are intended to improve the health, safety and well-being of mothers in the United States.