Georgia ranks lowest for maternal health, prenatal care in US, report says
ATLANTA – When it comes to maternal health, a new report found that Georgia is near the bottom of the list among all 50 states and the District of Columbia for preventable pregnancy-related deaths.
A report by the Commonwealth Fund, a national non-profit organization focused on equitable health care, found Georgia was the 46th worst state for maternal health, at least in lead to death during pregnancy and preventable causes.
“Mental health conditions are the most commonly reported cause of preventable pregnancy-related deaths, including suicide and overdose deaths related to substance use disorders,” the organization said. .
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In Georgia, and in its Southeast states, according to the report, the death of women in childbearing years is higher than anywhere else in the United States.
The Commonwealth Fund said that 114 to 137 women of reproductive age in Georgia died per 100,000 women in 2022, from causes ranging from drug abuse, breast and cervical cancer, preventable causes related to pregnancy and COVID-19.
Furthermore, the same report stated that the state has a maternal mortality rate ranging from 26.1 to 34.3 per 100,000. More women in Georgia were also reported to have syphilis, and the number increased from 2019 to 2022, rising from 33 per 100,000 to 70 per 100,000.
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The report stated that Georgia has a high proportion of uninsured mothers, affordable costs for prenatal health care, and low-to-mid levels of health outcomes. for expectant mothers in the district.
Georgia also has between 27.9 and 30.8 low-risk cesarean births per 100 live births in 2022, placing it among the 12 US states with such high rates.
In terms of access to health care, access to health insurance coverage and affordability of both, Georgia ranks 50th in the nation, the report said.
Overall, Georgia’s ranking of 46th for women’s health in the United States is due to a combination of lack of health care quality and prevention, lack of access and poor health status and outcomes. of childbirth.
Even among its own states in the Southeast region of the US, Georgia ranked low, at No. 10.
According to the Commonwealth Fund, Georgia performs worst in:
- Women aged 18 to 44 who needed care because of the cost
- Intention to give birth in hospital
- Uninsured women, ages 19 to 64
However, the Commonwealth Fund says Georgia performed “best among countries” for:
- Women report symptoms of postpartum depression
- Women aged 18-64 who have been diagnosed with HIV or AIDS
- Women with depression before or during pregnancy
Regarding the report’s data, the Commonwealth Fund reported that Georgia was ranked in the middle of the score for the number of antenatal care providers in the country and that almost a quarter of all women who gave birth did not start antenatal care . first to third month of pregnancy.
In addition, the report states that 23% of Georgian women between the ages of 18 and 44 skipped going to the doctor in the past year because of the cost of the appointment, while about 30% of the same group they don’t have anyone they consider a doctor. health care provider.
The report of the Commonwealth Fund said that Georgia has an infant mortality rate of 6.3 out of 1,000 children born, according to the Commonwealth Fund, it ranked 39 out of 41.
Georgia was also ranked lowest in the percentage of women who recently gave birth but did not have health insurance during their pregnancy.
For Georgians looking for health insurance, there are other options. Depending on income levels, you can apply for membership in the Georgia Pathways to Coverage program, which offers a version of Medicaid with work-related requirements.
Separately, for Georgians who participate in the HealthCare.Gov marketplace, starting with the November open enrollment period, plans will now be available on the Georgia Access site.
Normal Medicaid, along with Peachcare for Kids, are also options for eligible Georgia families and children.
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