From January to August of 2008, over 2 million homeowners received foreclosure notices. What health insurance coverage do they have? How many of them have children? How many of them are pregnant women? If you are uninsured in my state, Colorado, the average expense for prenatal care and delivery is $15,000. The amount increases for any complications or for cesarean delivery. In this economy, how many people can afford to pay that amount?
America is a nation that takes care of the world. We fight disease and malnutrition in other countries. So, I wondered how we ranked with the rest of the world when it comes to providing for our own citizens.
According to the 2007/2008 Human Development Report, the United States ranked 36th in commitment to health, which includes resources, access, and services. How do our pregnant women fare? The same report reveals that the U.S. shares ranking 39th with three other countries for maternal mortality. That means that 38 other countries have less maternal deaths than us. I previously wrote that when there is a lack of medical care for the mother and child, death rates increase. The Human Development Report supports this conclusion.
We are the United States of America. Why are we in 36th and 39th place in this report? Why are we not leading in less maternal deaths? Why are we not united in the endeavor of health care for all?