The death of a mother following childbirth is a devastating event, especially when it could have been prevented. The recent case of Abirami Goyal, who tragically bled to death at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center just hours after giving birth, highlights a disturbing trend in the United States: maternal mortality is on the rise, and Minority mothers, are disproportionately affected.
The Story of Abirami Goyal
Abirami Goyal, a 31-year-old first-time mother, arrived at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center full of hope and anticipation. After an emergency C-section, doctors discovered “profuse” bleeding, but their response was allegedly delayed and inadequate. Despite emergency surgery, Goyal tragically died from postpartum hemorrhage, leaving behind her husband and newborn daughter.
A Lawsuit Demanding Accountability
Goyal’s family is suing Providence Health for $100 million, alleging that medical negligence and systemic failures led to her preventable death. The lawsuit claims that medical professionals failed to:
- Properly monitor Goyal’s blood loss after the C-section.
- Timely and effectively treat the hemorrhage.
- Recognize the need for a hysterectomy sooner.
The Escalating Maternal Mortality Crisis
Goyal’s death is not an isolated incident. Maternal mortality rates in the U.S. are alarmingly high, particularly compared to other developed countries. According to the CDC, the U.S. maternal mortality rate in 2021 was 32.9 deaths per 100,000 live births, a stark increase from previous years.
The Disproportionate Burden on Minority Mothers
While maternal mortality affects women of all races and ethnicities, minority women, especially Black mothers, face a significantly higher risk of dying from pregnancy-related complications.
- Three Times the Risk: Black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than White women. (CDC)
- Persistent Disparities: These racial disparities persist across all socioeconomic levels.
Unveiling the Root Causes of Disparities
The reasons behind these disparities are complex and deeply rooted in systemic inequities:
- Implicit Bias: Studies show that implicit bias among healthcare providers can lead to differences in the quality of care received by minority women.
- Barriers to Access: Minority women often face obstacles in accessing quality prenatal and postpartum care, including lack of insurance, limited access to specialists, and transportation challenges.
- Social Determinants of Health: Factors like poverty, stress, and discrimination can negatively impact minority women’s health and pregnancy outcomes.
Statistics Exposing a Dire Reality
- Severe Maternal Morbidity: Minority women experience severe maternal morbidity (unexpected outcomes of labor and delivery) at a rate far exceeding that of White women. (CDC)
- Cardiovascular Conditions: Minority women are more likely to die from heart conditions and stroke during pregnancy or postpartum.
- Preeclampsia and Eclampsia: These dangerous hypertensive disorders occur more frequently and with greater severity in minority women.
The Multifaceted Causes of Maternal Mortality
Several factors contribute to maternal deaths, including:
- Cardiovascular conditions: Heart conditions and stroke
- Hemorrhage: Severe bleeding
- Infection: Sepsis and other complications
- Preeclampsia and eclampsia: Hypertensive disorders
- Mental health conditions: Suicide and drug overdoses
The Urgent Call for Systemic Change
Addressing the maternal mortality crisis requires a comprehensive approach:
- Improved Access to Care: Ensuring equitable access to quality care for all women.
- Early Detection and Intervention: Promptly addressing pregnancy complications.
- Standardized Protocols: Implementing consistent protocols for obstetric emergencies.
- Culturally Competent Care: Providing culturally sensitive care that meets the unique needs of diverse populations.
- Addressing Implicit Bias: Training healthcare providers to recognize and address implicit bias.
- Mental Health Support: Expanding access to mental health services for pregnant and postpartum women.
The Power of Legal Action
Wrongful death lawsuits hold healthcare providers accountable for preventable maternal deaths and drive systemic change within the healthcare system.
The Killino Firm: Champions for Justice
At The Killino Firm, we’re dedicated to representing families affected by birth injuries, medical malpractice, and maternal deaths. We understand the profound impact of these tragedies and are committed to fighting for the rights of those who have been harmed.
If you or a loved one has suffered due to medical negligence during pregnancy or childbirth, contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll provide compassionate legal guidance and work tirelessly to secure the justice and compensation you deserve.
