Reducing the Maternal Mortality Rate in the United States Through the Midwives Model of Care

The United States does not follow the Midwives Model of Care like many other countries. The contrast of the model of care in the United States to other developed countries is a main contributor to the higher maternal mortality rate, which disproportionately affects people of color. The main factors contributing to the high maternal mortality rate in the United States are the lack of continued postpartum care, in-depth prenatal visits, and improper parental leave policies. A standard of care that includes continuous labor support, more and longer appointments, emotional and physical support, new parent education, and cultural competency has been shown to result in better outcomes for the birthing person and the baby. This article explains why the Midwives Model of Care fits the criteria for the desired style of care needed to reduce maternal mortality in the United States.