Lost Mothers
Maternal Care and Preventable Deaths
The U.S. has the highest rate of deaths related to pregnancy and childbirth in the developed world. Half of the deaths are preventable, victimizing women from a variety of races, backgrounds, educations and income levels.
New York City Launches Committee to Review Maternal Deaths
Amid intensifying concerns about deaths and near-deaths related to pregnancy and childbirth, New York City will review cases in depth to protect mothers and improve data collection.
How Many American Women Die From Causes Related to Pregnancy or Childbirth? No One Knows.
Data collection on maternal deaths is so flawed and under-funded that the federal government no longer even publishes an official death rate.
ProPublica, NPR and BPL Presents to Host Maternal Health Forum With Advice for Expectant Families
Join us for a community forum about protecting more women from harm.
Another Thing Disappearing From Rural America: Maternal Care
A new study shows that more than half of the country’s rural counties now don’t have hospitals with obstetric services. And women of color are being hit the hardest.
Why Giving Birth Is Safer in Britain Than in the U.S.
The U.S. and the U.K. used to have the same rate of women dying in pregnancy and childbirth. Now, Britain’s is almost three times lower. Here’s what they’re doing right.
Many Nurses Lack Knowledge of Health Risks for New Mothers, Study Finds
A nationwide survey shows that postpartum nurses often fail to warn mothers about potentially life-threatening complications, mainly because they need more education themselves.
‘If You Hemorrhage, Don’t Clean Up’: Advice From Mothers Who Almost Died
We’ve heard from 3,100 women who survived life-threatening complications of pregnancy or childbirth. They told us what they wish they had known — and what they would say to other new and expectant mothers.
The Breakthrough: Reporting on Life and Death in the Delivery Room
ProPublica reporter Nina Martin and her team used social media and old-fashioned shoe leather to show how the U.S. has the worst maternal death rate in the developed world.
What We’ve Learned So Far About Maternal Mortality From You, Our Readers
Our first maternal health story started with unusual sources, an ask and lots of collaboration. We’re just getting started.
Do You Know Someone Who Died or Nearly Died in Childbirth? Help Us Investigate Maternal Health
By many measures, the United States has become the most dangerous industrialized country in which to give birth.
