Why Maternal Health Matters - Dr. Crysta Meekins

Maternal health is fundamental to the well-being of families and communities. Ensuring that mothers receive comprehensive and equitable care is crucial for their health and the prosperity of families and communities.

When a mother thrives, so does her family. Maternal health directly shapes the health outcomes and futures of infants and children. Healthy mothers are better equipped to care for their children, cultivating a nurturing environment that supports the physical, emotional, and cognitive development of the next generation. Conversely, maternal mortality and morbidity can have devastating consequences.

Disparities in maternal health outcomes, particularly among Black and Indigenous women, highlight systemic inequalities in access to quality healthcare. According to the CDC, Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women, while American Indian and Alaska Native women are more than twice as likely to experience maternal mortality compared to white women (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022). 

These statistics underscore the urgent need to address these disparities and ensure that all women, regardless of race, socioeconomic status, or geographic location, receive the care they need. 

Investing in maternal health is not merely a moral imperative, but an economic one. Healthy mothers contribute to the economy by actively participating in the workforce and their communities. Furthermore, women make up a substantial portion of the healthcare workforce, and their well-being directly impacts the functionality and efficiency of healthcare systems.

By championing maternal health, we are investing in the future of our society, ensuring that every mother has the opportunity to thrive.

References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Racial and ethnic disparities continue in pregnancy-related deaths. https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2022/p0511-pregnancy-related-
deaths.html