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Health Care

Lost Mothers

Maternal Care and Preventable Deaths

The U.S. has the highest rate of deaths related to pregnancy and childbirth in the developed world. Half of the deaths are preventable, victimizing women from a variety of races, backgrounds, educations and income levels.

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Lost Mothers

“Landmark” Maternal Health Legislation Clears Major Hurdle

In the wake of the ProPublica and NPR series “Lost Mothers,” the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously approved a bill to fund state committees to review and investigate deaths of expectant and new mothers.

Lost Mothers

Trusted Health Sites Spread Myths About a Deadly Pregnancy Complication

From the Mayo Clinic to Harvard, sources don't always get the facts right about preeclampsia. Reached by ProPublica, some are making needed corrections.

Lost Mothers

New York City Launches Initiative to Eliminate Racial Disparities in Maternal Death

A Central Brooklyn hospital featured in ProPublica and NPR’s “Lost Mothers” series for its high hemorrhage rate will serve as a pilot for quality reforms.

Lost Mothers

U.S. Senate Committee Proposes $50 Million to Prevent Mothers Dying in Childbirth

After years of Congressional inaction, legislators in both parties want to back efforts by states and hospitals to reduce the U.S. maternal mortality rate, the highest in the developed world.

Lost Mothers

Here’s One Issue Blue and Red States Agree On: Preventing Deaths of Expectant and New Mothers

From Indiana to Oregon, lawmakers are passing bills to increase scrutiny of maternal deaths. Often, they’re citing our “Lost Mothers” series.

Lost Mothers

New Jersey Bill Would Create Commission Empowered to Probe Deaths Related to Pregnancy and Childbirth

Spurred by ProPublica and NPR’s reporting, New Jersey lawmakers are moving to tighten requirements to report maternal deaths, investigate their causes and identify ways to prevent them.

The New U.S. Maternal Mortality Rate Fails to Capture Many Deaths

What Happens When New Mothers Don’t Have Insurance? Help Us Find Out.

We’re Investigating How Insurance Gaps Endanger Mothers. This Is Why.

ProPublica’s “Lost Mothers” and “Walking While Black” Named NABJ Awards Finalists

Video: How More Midwives May Mean Healthier Mothers

Redesigning Maternal Care: OB-GYNs Are Urged to See New Mothers Sooner and More Often

ProPublica/NPR Collaboration a Finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Explanatory Reporting

How We Collected Nearly 5,000 Stories of Maternal Harm

A Larger Role for Midwives Could Improve Deficient U.S. Care for Mothers and Babies

Maternal Deaths Are Increasing in Texas, But Probably Not as Much as We Thought

How Hospitals Are Failing Black Mothers

How We Measured Birth Complications

Severe Complications for Women During Childbirth Are Skyrocketing — and Could Often Be Prevented

Want to Host a Community Discussion on Maternal Health? Our Event Toolkit Can Help.

Black Women Disproportionately Suffer Complications of Pregnancy and Childbirth. Let’s Talk About It.

Nothing Protects Black Women From Dying in Pregnancy and Childbirth

New York City Launches Committee to Review Maternal Deaths

At Maternal Health Forum, Experts Discuss How to Protect Women From Harm

How Many American Women Die From Causes Related to Pregnancy or Childbirth? No One Knows.

ProPublica, NPR and BPL Presents to Host Maternal Health Forum With Advice for Expectant Families

Another Thing Disappearing From Rural America: Maternal Care

Why Giving Birth Is Safer in Britain Than in the U.S.

Many Nurses Lack Knowledge of Health Risks for New Mothers, Study Finds

‘If You Hemorrhage, Don’t Clean Up’: Advice From Mothers Who Almost Died

The Breakthrough: Reporting on Life and Death in the Delivery Room

Lost Mothers

What We’ve Learned So Far About Maternal Mortality From You, Our Readers

The Last Person You’d Expect to Die in Childbirth

Do You Know Someone Who Died or Nearly Died in Childbirth? Help Us Investigate Maternal Health