Exploring the impact of policy on maternal morbidity and mortality in California and Georgia

Maternal morbidity and mortality are major public health concerns globally. Among developed nations, the United States (US) has the highest maternal mortality rate (MMR) despite spending more on healthcare. In the US, this burden is disproportionately worse among blacks. Many studies have proven that structural racism, lower socioeconomic status, lack of health insurance, comorbidities, and geographical location of birthing people that prevent access to healthcare contribute to the continuous rise of maternal mortality and morbidity among Black Americans. Although copious policies, interventions, and programs have been employed to address this problem, it persists in many states. Whiles states like California and Massachusetts have managed to reduce the incident of MMR, the reverse has been observed in states like Georgia and Alabama. This present study will examine policies that drive the differences of MMR in the states of California and Georgia and emphasize the public health significance of lowering maternal morbidity and mortality.