Insights from Europe on Addressing America’s Maternal Mortality Crisis

In Orlando, Florida, midwife Jennie Joseph engaged a pregnant patient, Husna Mixon, and her 7-year-old son, encouraging the young boy to participate in checking the baby’s heartbeat. Joseph’s dedication to supporting women through pregnancy and childbirth is showcased in her nonprofit organization, Commonsense Childbirth, which emphasizes best practices learned in Europe, where experts suggest solutions to challenges faced in the United States.

The high rates of maternal mortality in the U.S. have sparked concern, with statistics showing significantly higher numbers compared to many European nations. Public health experts point to various factors contributing to the issue, including disparities in access to healthcare, systemic racism, substandard medical care at times, and an increase in chronic health conditions among women of childbearing age.

Drawing inspiration from successful approaches in European countries, experts believe that implementing similar strategies in the U.S. could help address the maternal health crisis. For instance, providing comprehensive prenatal and postpartum care involving both physicians and non-physician providers like midwives has shown positive outcomes in European nations and within Joseph’s organization.

Commonsense Childbirth, led by Joseph, offers a holistic approach to care, accommodating vulnerable patients who may have been turned away by other healthcare providers. Emphasizing trust-building and empowerment, the organization has managed to achieve positive outcomes, with no maternal deaths recorded among thousands of patients cared for over the years.

While maternal mortality rates in the U.S. continue to be a concern, experts believe that interventions such as ensuring quality healthcare during delivery, addressing underlying health issues, and providing comprehensive postpartum support can lead to improvements. Learning from countries like Norway, with its low maternal mortality rate and robust midwifery services, could guide efforts in the U.S. to enhance maternal care outcomes.

Despite challenges within the American healthcare system, efforts to reduce maternal mortality are deemed feasible. Joseph’s organization in Florida exemplifies how community support and a focus on midwifery care can positively impact maternal health outcomes, even for patients with complications requiring specialized care. By prioritizing patient-centered care and building strong relationships, healthcare providers can better identify and address potential problems during pregnancy and childbirth, ultimately improving outcomes for mothers and babies.