Are Minorities in Illinois at Greater Risk of Maternal Injury or Death?

 Posted on January 14, 2022 in Birth Injury

By its very nature, the process of giving birth to a child puts mothers and infants at heightened risk of health problems, including serious birth injuries and maternal death. Yet the risk of maternal injuries impacts certain people more than others. According to the CDC, Black, American Indian, and Alaska Native women are up to two to three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related issues than white women. Most of these deaths are preventable. 

All women deserve to be treated according to the highest standard of medical care. But when Illinois doctors fail to abide by standardized protocols and do not maintain awareness of their patients’ risks and medical needs, women can suffer serious injuries and even death during childbirth. If you or someone you love has been injured or killed during childbirth, an experienced Illinois maternal injury attorney may be able to help. 

What are Common Causes of Maternal Mortality? 

Maternal mortality is considered a death that happens during pregnancy, childbirth, and for up to a year after giving birth. For unknown reasons, maternal mortality has increased significantly in the United States in the past thirty years and statistics indicate that minorities bear an unfair share of maternal injury and mortality cases. 

Common causes of maternal injuries and mortality in the United States include, but are not limited to: 

• Infection or sepsis

• Hemorrhaging

• Cardiomyopathy

• Pulmonary embolism

• Cerebrovascular accidents

• Hypertenisive disorders

• Preeclampsia

• Vaginal lacerations

• Anesthesia complications

Doctors and nurses have an ethical and legal obligation to provide an appropriate standard of medical care to pregnant mothers, both before and during childbirth. This means they must familiarize themselves with the patient, including pre-existing health risks, and ensure a mother has the information she needs to keep herself and her baby safe. When a doctor fails to provide appropriate care and a mother is injured or killed, the doctor may be liable for medical malpractice. 

Meet with a Chicago, IL Maternal Injury Lawyer

At Birth Injury Law Alliance, Ltd., we take the health and well-being of our clients very seriously. We recognize that not everyone has access to the same standard of healthcare, and we believe income, health, and skin color should never be an obstacle to essential maternal and infant care. You can read more   in our inclusion statement. If you or someone you love has suffered or died because of medical negligence during childbirth, call our offices today at 312-462-4200 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Cook County maternal injuries attorney. 

Source: 

https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2019/p0905-racial-ethnic-disparities-pregnancy-deaths.html