ACOG targets 50% reduction in maternal mortality rate

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), a FIGO National Member Society and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) have announced the Maternal Health Initiative, which aims to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality in the US by 50 per cent.

It will also address disparities in the prevalence of maternal health issues across different racial and ethnic communities in the country.

"The US ranks 50th in maternal deaths worldwide, far below Canada, Japan and many western European countries," said ACOG president Jeanne A Conry.

She noted that conditions such as obesity, diabetes and hypertension were found in an "ever-increasing" number of reproductive-age women and all contributed to higher maternal health risks.

The Maternal Health Initiative will incorporate the efforts of over 100 organisations. A set of protocols to be followed at "maternal facilities nationwide" will be established, addressing leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality such as haemorrhage, sepsis and thromboembolism.

These protocols will "enable each facility to respond more effectively when complications occur", SMFM president Brian M Mercer explained.