CNN: High rates of preterm birth and infant deaths get the US another D+ grade

CNN: High rates of preterm birth and infant deaths get the US another D+ grade

The March of Dimes released its 2024 Report Card, revealing a concerning reality: the U.S. preterm birth rate remains at a historic high of 10.4%, with significant disparities among racial and ethnic groups.

OB Hospitalist Group's Amanda Shafton, our National Midwifery Director, was featured in a CNN article discussing the report’s implications. Amanda highlighted the critical role midwives can play in addressing maternal and infant health outcomes:

•  Research suggests midwifery care could prevent up to two-thirds of maternal and infant deaths and significantly reduce pregnancy-related complications.
• The U.S. has only 4 midwives per 1,000 live births, compared to countries with lower maternal mortality rates that prioritize midwifery care, where 30-70 midwives are available per 1,000 births.
•  “It’s essential to advocate for changes across the board,” Amanda said. This includes updating hospital bylaws, increasing collaboration between midwives and OB-GYNs, and revising state and federal regulations to enable midwives to practice to the full extent of their training.

Read the CNN article here.