Maternal Mortality

Introduction

Rising rates of maternal mortality have been the focus of national concern. The death of a woman during pregnancy, at delivery, or soon after delivery is a tragedy for her family as well as for society as a whole.  A pregnancy-related death is defined as the death of a woman during pregnancy or within one year of the end of pregnancy from a pregnancy complication, a chain of events initiated by pregnancy, or the aggravation of an unrelated condition by the physiologic effects of pregnancy.

To identify and address the underlying causes of maternal mortality in Tennessee, a comprehensive, retrospective review of each death is completed by the Tennessee Maternal Mortality Review (MMR) Committee.  This process began with a review of each maternal death in 2017 and includes identification of specific opportunities for prevention of maternal mortality and promotion of women’s health.  Moving forward, the intent is to continue an in-depth review of each maternal death in an effort to provide safe care for all of Tennessee’s pregnant and post-partum mothers.  As a part of the review process, The Tennessee Maternal Mortality Review of 2021 Maternal Deaths Report provides detailed findings and recommendations from their review.

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Maternal Mortality