In March 2024, amidst an ongoing struggle with data and healthcare equity, the North Carolina Maternal Mortality Review Committee (MMRC) released its report covering maternal deaths in the state during 2018 and 2019 and can be found here. This period marks not only a crucial phase in healthcare and policy but also coincides with the birth of initiatives like Breastfeed Durham, launched in 2018, dedicated to supporting maternal health through breastfeeding advocacy and education.
A Glimpse into the Past: The MMRC’s Findings
The MMRC’s report is a painstakingly detailed document that sheds light on the maternal mortality landscape in North Carolina, revealing both challenges and opportunities for intervention. In 2018 and 2019, the committee reviewed 181 cases of maternal deaths among North Carolina residents. Shockingly, 42% of these deaths were directly related to pregnancy, with mental health conditions emerging as the leading cause, underscoring the need for comprehensive healthcare that addresses mental wellbeing alongside physical health.
Key Findings:
- Mental Health and Overdoses: Mental health conditions were the leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths, with overdoses, particularly from opioids and fentanyl, marking a significant concern.
- Homicides and Discrimination: An alarming number of pregnancy-related deaths were due to homicide, highlighting the intersection of maternal health with broader social issues, including racism and violence. Discrimination was identified as a probable contributing factor in a majority of the cases.
- Preventability: Perhaps most heartbreakingly, 85.5% of these deaths were deemed preventable, pointing to critical gaps in our healthcare and social support systems.
Themes for Action
The report doesn’t just catalog statistics; it serves as a call to action, offering detailed recommendations across various levels of healthcare and society to prevent future tragedies. Key themes include addressing implicit bias and racism in healthcare, improving management of chronic diseases during pregnancy, and enhancing access to care.
The Road Ahead
The North Carolina Maternal Mortality Review Report of 2018-2019 is more than a collection of data; it’s a reflection of the lives lost and a roadmap for change. It highlights the urgent need for systemic reform, from healthcare policy to community support structures, to ensure that every mother has the chance to survive and thrive.
In Memory and In Action
As we reflect on this report, we’re reminded of the importance of initiatives like Breastfeed Durham, which play a crucial role in supporting maternal health at the community level. These findings reinforce the need for holistic, inclusive healthcare policies and practices that recognize and address the complexities of maternal health.
In honoring the memory of those we’ve lost, we are called to action. It’s time to rally around the recommendations of the MMRC, advocate for policy changes, and support organizations making a difference in maternal health. Together, we can work towards a future where maternal mortality is a rarity, not a statistic.
The North Carolina Maternal Mortality Review Report of 2018-2019 is a stark reminder of the work that lies ahead. It’s a call to each of us—healthcare providers, policymakers, community organizations, and individuals—to take action, support maternal health initiatives, and advocate for the changes needed to protect the lives of mothers across the state and beyond.