Better support of doula care can cut maternal deaths
By Demetria Malloy / For The Herald
In Washington state, the maternal mortality rate was 18 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2024. A staggering 80 percent of these deaths were preventable, often due to factors such as lack of access to care, inadequate screening for risk factors, and systemic racism.
While it may not be the first solution to this crisis that comes to mind, birth doulas can be key to turning these numbers around and beginning to make a meaningful difference in each of the above areas.
Focused on offering comfort, advocacy and guidance, doulas are trained to provide physical, emotional and informational support to individuals throughout every stage of the process: before, during and after birth. Doulas are an extension of support that improves the birthing experience for all, with their presence linked to positive outcomes, including reduced rates of cesarean sections, fewer preterm births and improved birthing experiences.
Recognizing the benefits of doula support, Washington state’s Apple Health (Medicaid) launched a birth doula benefit in January 2025 for the first time, a milestone in addressing birth inequities. Aiming to enhance maternal and infant health outcomes by making doula support more accessible to Medicaid recipients, the birth doula benefit will support increased access, improved maternal health and support for doulas across the state.
https://www.heraldnet.com/opinion/comment-better-support-of-doula-care-can-cut-maternal-deaths/