Protecting Mothers, Saving Lives: The Crucial Role of Physicians in Tackling Maternal Mortality
Nita Bhatt, MD, MPH, FAPA
As physicians, we all have a critical role to play in addressing the growing crisis of maternal mortality both in Ohio and across the country. Alarmingly, maternal mortality rates have been on the rise, and in 2021, for the first time, mental health conditions became the leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths in the United States. Every mother lost is not just a personal tragedy for her family but also a clear indicator of the gaps in our healthcare system. This is a call to action that demands collaboration, education, and advocacy across all specialties.
The latest CDC data reveals a maternal mortality rate of 32.9 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2021, a sharp increase from previous years. The disparities are particularly troubling for Black women, who are 2.6 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than White women. In Ohio, similar trends emerge, with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders contributing significantly to maternal deaths. According to the Ohio Department of Health, nearly 60% of pregnancy-related deaths between 2017 and 2019 were preventable, with mental health factors playing a major role in many of these cases.
These statistics highlight an urgent need for all of us, regardless of specialty, to be part of the solution. Mental health conditions must be addressed by every provider involved in maternal care, whether you're an obstetrician, primary care physician, emergency care provider, or in another field. Mental health issues like postpartum depression, anxiety, and substance use cannot be overlooked, and early intervention is key. We must work together to ensure these conditions are identified and treated promptly, potentially saving lives.
Beyond education, advocacy is essential. We need to support policies that improve access to care, such as extending Medicaid coverage for postpartum care from 60 days to a full year. This policy has already shown promise in improving maternal health outcomes, especially for mental health services. Ohio has made progress in this area, but there is still much work to do at the state and federal levels. Mental health screenings should also be fully integrated into routine maternal healthcare. Just as we monitor vital signs, we need to make mental health assessments a standard part of prenatal and postpartum care, allowing for early detection and timely intervention.
Looking ahead, it’s clear that every physician has a vital role to play in reducing maternal mortality. By advocating for stronger healthcare policies, educating ourselves and our colleagues, and making mental health a priority in maternal care, we can prevent unnecessary tragedies. Every mother lost is not just a loss for her family, but a reminder of where our healthcare system needs to improve. Together, we can build a system that fully supports the mental and physical well-being of every mother, ensuring they receive the care they need before, during, and after childbirth.
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Maternal Mortality Data
Ohio Department of Health, Maternal Mortality Review