OB-GYN and Chair of the National Medical Association Board of Trustees, Dr. Yolanda Lawson began her presentation of the Addressing Maternal Mortality session of The Council of State Governments 2021 National Conference with a statement describing the needs of Medicaid patients across all states.
“States should place emphasis on reducing disparity in maternal mortality by expanding Medicaid, I make that statement here today,” she said.
Maternal mortality is the annual number of female deaths from any cause related to or aggravated by pregnancy or its management (excluding accidental or incidental causes) during pregnancy and childbirth or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy, irrespective of the duration and site of the pregnancy, according to the World Health Organization. The United States has the highest maternal death rate.
Dr. Lawson explained the causes of maternal mortality, pointing to hemorrhaging and blood pressure as two major causes of mortality, but she explained several determinants that play a role.
“Determinates of maternal health include inequities, financial barriers, shortage of providers, gaps in quality of care,” she said.
Dr. Lawson cited several social determinants impacting maternal mortality, including racism, unstable and unhealthy housing, poverty exposure to neighborhood violence lack of education and employment.
Dr. Lawson said one of her goals was to provide patients with accurate and safe information and encourage patients to complete postpartum follow-up care.
“Postpartum follow up is critical, 40% of women do not have a follow up postpartum visit,” she said. “The patient population minimizes the importance of postpartum care.”
The conversation continued with David Farber of Philips, explaining the role of his company now being a fully health-centered organization.
Senator Joan Ballweg moderated the discussion and Illinois Representative Robyn Gabel participated in a discussion on expanding Medicaid.
“Maternal mortality is one part of it and infant mortality is the other,” said Representative Gabel. “I decided to expand Medicaid for the 12 months postpartum. The truth is, due to COVID-19, they are not taking people off Medicaid.”
Ballweg explained efforts in Wisconsin, stating she is wholeheartedly promoting expanding Medicaid through 12 months of postpartum care.
Dr. Lawson summed up everyone’s efforts.
“Full availability of Medicaid coverage for all pregnant and postpartum women is a public health priority,” she said.