Abstract
Over the past ten years, the United States has experienced an increase in its motherhood mortality rate. Advocates, researchers, and legislators have suggested that expanding the profession of midwifery may be one solution toward decreasing the rising motherhood mortality rates in America. This paper addresses the issue of midwifery, both nationally and within Illinois. Within the paper, a midwifery-led model of care is reviewed, as well as barriers to midwifery and legislation related to maternal healthcare. Public opinion polling was also conducted with Illinois voters to collect information on perceptions of midwifery. The paper further outlines policy recommendations for improving maternal healthcare broadly, as well as how to support the expansion of midwifery. Finally, this paper addresses changes and concerns related to maternal healthcare that have occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. This project was completed to better understand how midwifery can address motherhood mortality and serve to improve maternal healthcare in the United States.
Comments
Simon Review Paper #57