Panel, Conference Presentation
Sexual, Reproductive, and Maternal Health in America
Milken InstituteChristy Turlington Burns, Dr. Michael Liu, Dr. Lena Nguyen, Representative Lauren Underwood
- Maternal mortality rates in California decreased by approximately 60% between 2006 and 2012 following the implementation of safety bundles, which are now in place at over 1,000 hospitals across more than 20 states.
- Implementing safety bundles in every US hospital within the next few years is predicted to reduce maternal mortality by at least 50%, a timeframe identified as a unique window of opportunity in decades.
- If the Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade, projections indicate that one in four women could reside in areas where abortion is outlawed, potentially leading to a resurgence of unsafe procedures resulting in deaths from sepsis and multi-organ failure.
- The House Labor, Health and Human Services Appropriations Bill has passed the House but faces potential delays in the Senate until the end of the session due to political sensitivity, while the "momnibus" legislation is hoped to be passed within the current year.
- Extending Medicaid coverage for up to 12 months postpartum is identified as a positive step, though current payment models create disincentives for providers to conduct more than one postpartum visit.
- Telemedicine is expected to be insufficient for saving lives, particularly for Black women, whereas wearable technology, sensors, and AI offer potential for predictive analytics if high-tech solutions are paired with high-touch care.
- Technological advances carry a risk of widening disparities if differential access is not addressed; therefore, ensuring technology advances health equity is a critical job.
- Approximately 90% of the solutions targeted by the Black Maternal Health Caucus are expected to be bipartisan, with the remainder likely centering on abortion access.
- Holistic healthcare integration, including routine inquiries about pregnancy planning and teamwork with nutritionists, mental health providers, and doulas, is proposed to bridge access gaps and prioritize prevention.
- System design failures currently exist in mental health support, with patients often waiting up to three weeks for the earliest available appointment after screening.
- Both individuals expect to give birth to their second child in several months, underscoring personal stakes in maternal health outcomes.
- Chronic stress and the lingering impacts of race are identified as systemic challenges affecting women's health, necessitating a focus on building community resilience and centering the dialogue on racism.
- At least half of all maternal deaths are expected to be preventable through better quality and safety protocols, with the current lack of maternal health improvements described as a failure if not addressed immediately.