Maternal Health Outcomes

Maternal mortality in the United States is the worst out of all developed countries. Additionally, the United States is the only developed nation without universal paid leave. Many working mothers experience high levels of stress and negative side effects due to the difficulties encountered in childcare. According to HHS’ definition of affordability, childcare is unaffordable in 98% of US counties. According to the article, without paid leave, 25% of mothers return to work two weeks after giving birth. This financial stress piled on top of the dedication of being a parent to a newborn child is excessive. American policymakers must do better to improve maternal health— both mental and physical. 

Within the healthcare industry, 86% of nurses are women and 77.6% of the healthcare workforce as a whole are women. Nurses already experience burnout and immense stress, and the responsibility of caring for a child (or multiple) without paid leave only worsens the issue. Healthcare entities should practice equity by showing care for their workers and offer paid leave. This will help retain their female workers, who are at risk of quitting due to external responsibilities and excessive stress. 

I agree with the author of the article, Ann Somers Hogg, in that there is no “one-size-fits-all solution”. However, healthcare corporations can take the necessary steps toward employee care and health equity by considering the needs of new parents.