Sunday, August 6, 2023

Bill Crawford: Maternity Care Deserts Abet Mom and Baby Deaths

 “It's becoming ever more dangerous to give birth in America, especially for Black women, older women and those living in rural areas, according to a pair of new reports from March of Dimes and Milken Institute,” reported Axios.com.

“Nationally, the maternal mortality rate in 2021 was 32.9 deaths per 100,000 live births – nearly double the 17.4 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2018, according to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).”

Mississippi, no surprise, had the highest rate among the states at 82.5 mom deaths per 100,000 live births. 

Another no surprise, Mississippi still leads the nation in infant mortality.

“Mississippi led the nation with a rate of 10 deaths per 1,000 live births, almost twice the national rate of 5.73,” reported Mississippi Today citing CDC data. Mississippi’s number was 15% higher than the second ranked state, Alabama.

A recent March of Dimes report labeled 42 of Mississippi’s 82 counties “maternity care deserts.” These are counties with no OB-GYNs, certified nurse midwives, or hospitals that offer obstetric care. Another nine counties were deemed “low access” areas. (See state data at https://www.marchofdimes.org/peristats/reports/united-states/maternity-care-deserts)

Contributing to the problem are high rates of premature births and low birth weight babies and low breastfeeding rates, categories in which Mississippi also rates the worst compared to other states.

The big picture nationally, said Axios, shows rural communities “struggling with health care access issues that go well beyond maternity care. And many obstetrics unit closures are about money, not politics.”

That’s Mississippi too. 

Financially strapped hospitals discontinuing maternity care and emergency rooms, depleted county health departments out of the clinical care business, and struggling rural counties unable to attract certified nurse midwives much less OB-GYNs largely describe the primary problem. Lack of health insurance, limited access to primary care, physician and nurse shortages, and limited transport options help describe larger access challenges.  

State Health Officer Dr. Daniel Edney knows the problems but with limited resources can only take baby steps when giant steps are needed. Saving moms and babies requires increased access to obstetrics care – OB-GYNs, trained primary care physicians, certified nurse mid-wives, and birthing centers – in rural county after rural county across the state. 

Good luck getting that. 

The expansion of Medicaid post-partum insurance coverage earlier this year was a welcome but limited exception to the Legislature’s enduring legacy of indifference to maternal and infant mortality and declining healthcare access in rural areas. 

In a different setting, that level of indifference would have been considered depraved indifference given its consequences – dead moms and babies who could have been saved.

“Don’t fail to rescue those who are doomed to die” – Proverbs 24:11.

Crawford is a syndicated columnist from Jackson.


19 comments:

Anonymous said...

It’s becoming more dangerous because we have lowered the standards for healthcare workers. Just spend any amount of time in the hospital. You will see neglectful, obese, tattooed nurses with bad attitudes, and doctors brought in on visas from places without flush toilets, who speak an incomprehensible dialect.

Sorry doctor third-worlder. I really don’t mean to be racist. But I need someone who can communicate effectively.

Anonymous said...

'And many obstetrics unit closures are about money, not politics.'

Declining population = declining money, reduced medical services, fewer medical service providers.

Medicaid expansion and other subsidies will not stop rural Mississippi population losses. Hospital Service Areas live and die on population. You can't subsidize Physician:Population ratios into solvency.

MS-2 recently grew geographically because of population loss. When will Bill Crawford ask the sitting 20-year incumbent representative of that Congressional district why?

Anonymous said...

It’s not politics? You are right, we should just let them die. How dare they be poor given the opportunities offered my this great state.

And the good news, we are actually first at something!

Anonymous said...

9:48, perhaps those that are living in the medical, food, job, education, etc. deserts don't have the means to move elsewhere. Apparently, those that have left did.

Anonymous said...

9:20. Had I not experienced every thing you outlined with the hospitalization of a loved one I would not have believed your post.
Maybe not every hospital or every floor or unit but our recent experience was terrible.

Anonymous said...

More than any other state in this region, Mississippi's priorities have not changed much. In the rural areas, the "rich folks" have health care and everything else just fine. Always have. As long as they have the resources available to them, public or private, Mississippi government is satisfied. The health care and education of the rural poor has never been a priority and the victims are too divided by race to unite and demand better treatment. Some would refer to all this as a vestige of the "plantation mentality". Maybe so.

Anonymous said...

@9:48 the question should be what has the sitting representative done at all to help his constituents.

Jackson has plenty of room said...

11:35 AM, it has always been the dream of progressive Democrats to kill off rural America and force people into cities. Paying those that haven't left yet to do so would be far more cost effective than throwing money into failing rural hospitals.

Anonymous said...

Cry me a river, Bill.

First, I you KNOW you don’t have access to proper pre-natal care or health care for your baby once it’s born, I think it’s irresponsible of these women to go ahead and get pregnant in the first place, knowing that their situation may not be optimal.

Second, these are the same voting group that fights FOR abortion. So, which is it? You WANT babies, or do you want to kill them? You can’t have it both ways.

How about we just let every take responsibility for our own healthcare?

Anonymous said...

Is Crawford having labor pains as a result of advanced age?

Anonymous said...

People talking about Mississippi being a Third World country while deluding themselves in thinking they still live in a First World country.

Anonymous said...

Could it be (and I’m just spitballing here) that areas with high densities of people with comorbidities (obesity, smoking, diabetes, etc) are going to have less healthy outcomes regardless of whether there’s a maternity ward next to each McDonald’s? It’s the same thing as the Medicaid debate. At some point it’s throwing good money after bad if our citizens won’t take charge of their own health. If there are studies that directly show that healthcare facility availability independent of comorbidities made a gigantic difference, I’d be open to review that. But all of the press coverage just instantly assumes away that the number of facilities equals a proportionately healthier population and I’m not sure I buy that.

Anonymous said...

Medicaid expansion would save several rural hospitals, but Tate will not budge. Providing health care to the poor is not one of his priorities. Stupid. Racist. Cruel.

Anonymous said...

Quit having babies if you can not afford the care.

Anonymous said...

Bill-

you neglected to mention pregnant mothers on drugs-

Anonymous said...

I will try again to post a little truth in the matter. I have tried several times but kf must be sweet on Crawford and he keeps deleting my posts. Black women, older women, and women living in rural areas have always been in the same shape as they are now. It should be common sense but Bill decided he would put this down on paper so everyone could learn from his research. Mississippi has always led the U.S. in infant mortality. Probably always will.

KF, if you insist on posting dribble like this from the same man why not let people post a little common sense about it?

Anonymous said...

Some of you might want to wonder if you are so damn much smarter than Mr. Crawford why in Mississippi the poor get poorer and have more children and why like in Haiti, criminal gangs are getting stronger.

And, I would ask some of you to wonder why it is that more humans that CAN afford children are having to turn to fertility clinics for help? Could the fact that they did wait to be able to afford children ( which for many includes child care as both parents are working and includes private school as they valued a good education)?

The ignorance, particularly of human biology and reproduction and math and history of so many of those commenting is depressing! Some of you don't realize how that you are embracing the same misogynistic and economic policies of other failed countries that were once impressive. And,the "strong man" governments always end up over time with a series of dummies.

We aren't increasing vital numbers or even replacing our best and brightest.

Anonymous said...

11:03 am Bill states the obvious because Mississippians like you accept the status quo and don't seem to know you can change that as have some other cities and States. He gives you more credit that I do.
Talk to your children and grandchildren if they are adults or nearing adulthood and see how many of their classmates who have been successful remained.
Doing the same things over and over guarantee the same outcomes.
And, let me warn you, unlike in past times, major universities are heavily recruiting our smartest kids and offering not just full tuition but living expenses and transportation for them to come home. A really smart child will not always be dependent on you!
Be grateful that at least some of the Mississippi rich here actually live here or have an additional home here or come back to die. But, you are losing more of them and their children that you imagine.

Don Drane said...

I share the views of the poster who decries 'third world doctors who struggle with the English language'.

However, when an MD finishes residency (or during) and goes about the process of deciding where he/she wants to practice and raise a family, how many will select congressional district 2 or most other areas of this state.


Recent Comments

Search Jackson Jambalaya

Subscribe to JJ's Youtube channel

Archives

Trollfest '09

Trollfest '07 was such a success that Jackson Jambalaya will once again host Trollfest '09. Catch this great event which will leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Othor Cain and his band, The Black Power Structure headline the night while Sonjay Poontang returns for an encore performance. Former Frank Melton bodyguard Marcus Wright makes his premier appearance at Trollfest singing "I'm a Sweet Transvestite" from "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Kamikaze will sing his new hit, “How I sold out to da Man.” Robbie Bell again performs: “Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be Bells” and “Any friend of Ed Peters is a friend of mine”. After the show, Ms. Bell will autograph copies of her mug shot photos. In a salute to “Dancing with the Stars”, Ms. Bell and Hinds County District Attorney Robert Smith will dance the Wango Tango.

Wrestling returns, except this time it will be a Battle Royal with Othor Cain, Ben Allen, Kim Wade, Haley Fisackerly, Alan Lange, and “Big Cat” Donna Ladd all in the ring at the same time. The Battle Royal will be in a steel cage, no time limit, no referee, and the losers must leave town. Marshand Crisler will be the honorary referee (as it gives him a title without actually having to do anything).


Meet KIM Waaaaaade at the Entergy Tent. For five pesos, Kim will sell you a chance to win a deed to a crack house on Ridgeway Street stuffed in the Howard Industries pinata. Don't worry if the pinata is beaten to shreds, as Mr. Wade has Jose, Emmanuel, and Carlos, all illegal immigrants, available as replacements for the it. Upon leaving the Entergy tent, fig leaves will be available in case Entergy literally takes everything you have as part of its Trollfest ticket price adjustment charge.

Donna Ladd of The Jackson Free Press will give several classes on learning how to write. Smearing, writing without factchecking, and reporting only one side of a story will be covered. A donation to pay their taxes will be accepted and she will be signing copies of their former federal tax liens. Ms. Ladd will give a dramatic reading of her two award-winning essays (They received The Jackson Free Press "Best Of" awards.) "Why everything is always about me" and "Why I cover murders better than anyone else in Jackson".

In the spirit of helping those who are less fortunate, Trollfest '09 adopts a cause for which a portion of the proceeds and donations will be donated: Keeping Frank Melton in his home. The “Keep Frank Melton From Being Homeless” booth will sell chances for five dollars to pin the tail on the jackass. John Reeves has graciously volunteered to be the jackass for this honorable excursion into saving Frank's ass. What's an ass between two friends after all? If Mr. Reeves is unable to um, perform, Speaker Billy McCoy has also volunteered as when the word “jackass” was mentioned he immediately ran as fast as he could to sign up.


In order to help clean up the legal profession, Adam Kilgore of the Mississippi Bar will be giving away free, round-trip plane tickets to the North Pole where they keep their bar complaint forms (which are NOT available online). If you don't want to go to the North Pole, you can enjoy Brant Brantley's (of the Mississippi Commission on Judicial Performance) free guided tours of the quicksand field over by High Street where all complaints against judges disappear. If for some reason you are unable to control yourself, never fear; Judge Houston Patton will operate his jail where no lawyers are needed or allowed as you just sit there for minutes... hours.... months...years until he decides he is tired of you sitting in his jail. Do not think Judge Patton is a bad judge however as he plans to serve free Mad Dog 20/20 to all inmates.

Trollfest '09 is a pet-friendly event as well. Feel free to bring your dog with you and do not worry if your pet gets hungry, as employees of the Jackson Zoo will be on hand to provide some of their animals as food when it gets to be feeding time for your little loved one.

Relax at the Fox News Tent. Since there are only three blonde reporters in Jackson (being blonde is a requirement for working at Fox News), Megan and Kathryn from WAPT and Wendy from WLBT will be on loan to Fox. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both and a torn-up Obama yard sign will entitle you to free drinks served by Megan, Wendy, and Kathryn. Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required. Just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '09 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.


Note: Security provided by INS.

Trollfest '07

Jackson Jambalaya is the home of Trollfest '07. Catch this great event which promises to leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Sonjay Poontang and his band headline the night with a special steel cage, no time limit "loser must leave town" bout between Alan Lange and "Big Cat"Donna Ladd following afterwards. Kamikaze will perform his new song F*** Bush, he's still a _____. Did I mention there was no referee? Dr. Heddy Matthias and Lori Gregory will face off in the undercard dueling with dangling participles and other um, devices. Robbie Bell will perform Her two latest songs: My Best Friends are in the Media and Mama's, Don't Let Your Babies Grow up to be George Bell. Sid Salter of The Clarion-Ledger will host "Pin the Tail on the Trial Lawyer", sponsored by State Farm.

There will be a hugging booth where in exchange for your young son, Frank Melton will give you a loooong hug. Trollfest will have a dunking booth where Muhammed the terrorist will curse you to Allah as you try to hit a target that will drop him into a vat of pig grease. However, in the true spirit of Separate But Equal, Don Imus and someone from NE Jackson will also sit in the dunking booth for an equal amount of time. Tom Head will give a reading for two hours on why he can't figure out who the hell he is. Cliff Cargill will give lessons with his .80 caliber desert eagle, using Frank Melton photos as targets. Tackleberry will be on hand for an autograph session. KIM Waaaaaade will be passing out free titles and deeds to crackhouses formerly owned by The Wood Street Players.

If you get tired come relax at the Fox News Tent. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both will entitle you to free drinks.Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required, just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '07 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.

Note: Security provided by INS
.