Maternal Mortality in the United States:
A Brief History, Overview, and Update
Rachel Weigel
University of Minnesota Medical School
Abstract
Maternal mortality is both a crucial measure in global public health initiatives and a standard by which many nations compare their quality of care. Researchers, journalists, and physicians are investigating the United States maternal health crisis and searching for solutions to combat this growing epidemic. This paper discusses the history of maternal mortality surveillance and summarizes classifications, key research findings, currently policy efforts, and strategies for further improvement.