SciCafe: Maternal Mortality

Part of SciCafe

Wednesday, February 7, 2024

A newborn infant, covered in a blanket and resting on their mother's chest. S. Feyissa/Unsplash
The U.S. has the highest maternal mortality rate of any high-income country, and that margin continues to grow.  

In this SciCafe, Wendy Wilcox, M.D., Chief Women's Health Service Officer for NYC Health + Hospitals, will discuss the contributing factors towards the disparity, especially affecting women of color, and the interventions that New York City is doing to address this complex issue. She will walk us through a multi-faceted approach, emphasizing the need for well-rounded solutions for holistic care. 

Dr. Wilcox will shed light on the contemporary barriers, including the implications of the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade and the added challenges posed by the COVID pandemic. Join us as we navigate the historical context and current challenges surrounding maternal mortality and discuss innovative solutions for a healthier future. 

Resources for SciCafe’s Frequent Geeks  

Quick Pick: The Worsening U.S. Maternal Health Crisis in Three Graphs

Big Bite: U.S. Maternal Deaths Keep Rising. Here's Who Is Most at Risk

Deep Dive: Maternal Mortality Rates in the United States, 2021