Doctors Gather Ideas For Stopping Maternal Deaths In Texas

Attendees noted the increase in unplanned pregnancies in recent years, and the fact that many new mothers lose Medicaid benefits soon after giving birth.

By Ashley LopezMarch 26, 2018 9:30 am, , ,

From KUT:

Some of the state’s leading physicians vetted ideas this weekend to reduce the deaths of women while pregnant or shortly after giving birth

One of the biggest challenges addressed at the Maternal Health Congress was access to health care. Dr. Carlos Cardenas, president of the Texas Medical Association, said the problem starts with family planning.

“Since the Legislature vastly reduced funding for family planning in 2011, we have seen a 27 percent increase in unplanned pregnancies,” he said. “Unplanned pregnancies are more likely to result in maternal and infant complications perhaps because [the mothers’] pre-pregnancy health wasn’t ideal.”

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