In March 2010, Amnesty International released a report on maternal health care in the United States. The report, Deadly Delivery: the Maternal Health Care Crisis in the USA, can be downloaded at http://www.amnestyusa.org/dignity/pdf/DeadlyDelivery.pdf.   

A summary is also available at http://www.amnestyusa.org/dignity/pdf/DeadlyDeliverySummary.pdf.

The report analyzes the barriers to health care that result in our country's troubling maternal mortality and morbidity statistics. Among other issues, the report examines:

·         discrimination.

·         financial, bureaucratic and language barriers to accessing care.

·         information about maternal care options.

·         participation in care decisions.

·         staffing and quality questions.

·         accountability and oversight.

Two years of analysis, including more than 100 interviews, went into the preparation of the report. Amnesty hopes it proves to be a valuable tool for those who work in maternal and child health and health care disparities.

Going forward, Amnesty International's recommendations to improve maternal health will include:

·         calling for federal accountability on the issue of improving maternal health via an Office of Maternal Health within the Department of Health and Human Services.

·         increasing support for community health centers.

·         establishing state maternal mortality review boards.

·         implementing presumptive eligibility for Medicaid in all states.

This report was a collaborative effort, and Amnesty International is grateful for the time and effort that so many experts, advocates, health care providers (including several Section members) and service providers shared with them over the last two years. They extend their heartfelt appreciation and thanks to all who graciously allowed interviews and contributed to their work.