The United States is the most dangerous country in the developed world to give birth in, according to a recent report by USA Today. American women suffer from injuries and death that, at least half the time, were preventable at a rate that is unmatched by countries like the United Kingdom. Annually, 50,000 American women are injured during childbirth. 700 American women a year die as a result.
This is despite an abundance of knowledge and resources that could save their lives. For nearly a decade, there has been information available detailing techniques, equipment, and standards that hospitals should follow to save mothers’ lives. These recommendations have been compiled into “safety bundles” by the Aim Program, which gives hospitals detailed instructions on how to best care for their patients.
Unfortunately, many hospitals nationwide choose not to follow these standards. Exact numbers are unavailable for a variety of reasons, with many hospitals refusing to disclose how many of their patients suffered complications after childbirth. It seems, however, that roughly half of the women who experience complications during childbirth do not receive the prompt and adequate care they need.
Many of these complications are a result of high blood pressure and internal bleeding, which lead to seizure, stroke, and eventually death. The Aim program specifies how to prevent and treat these issues, but when hospitals fail to follow the standards, tragedies happen. Many women are forced to endure emergency hysterectomies or die as a result of hospitals’ failure.
The lawyers at Spiros Law, P.C. are available to help people who have suffered at the hands of negligent hospitals receive justice and compensation. If you were recently injured during childbirth and suspect your hospital is at fault, contact us right away at (217) 443-4343.
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