California plans to cut pregnancy-related deaths in half by 2026

An educational campaign targeting patients and health providers on factors contributing to pregnancy-related deaths aims to cut maternal mortality in California in half by 2026. An at-home questionnaire will enable patients to help assess their risk of pregnancy complications and self-screen for preeclampsia and preterm births. State data show most maternal deaths in California are due to heart disease, hemorrhage and sepsis or other infections. Patients will be encouraged to manage high blood pressure, cholesterol and obesity from before pregnancy to after birth, and to keep post-partum appointments. California will raise awareness about access to doulas, a covered benefit in the Medi-Cal program. The state also will encourage providers to adopt the Obstetric Morbidity Index, a tool used in other countries to evaluate maternal risks. (CalMatters article, 9/17/24)