Georgia Disbands Maternal Mortality Committee Amid Controversy
Georgia officials have abruptly disbanded the state’s Maternal Mortality Review Committee (MMRC) responsible for investigating deaths of pregnant women, following internal reports revealing preventable deaths linked to restrictive abortion laws. ProPublica’s investigations highlighted the cases of Amber Thurman and Candi Miller, both fatalities that the committee classified as preventable. The report ignited public outrage and placed the spotlight on the state’s abortion restrictions.
In a letter dated November 8, Dr. Kathleen Toomey, the state’s public health commissioner, cited breaches of confidentiality as the reason for disbanding the committee. Despite investigations failing to identify the source of the leaks, the committee’s tightly monitored confidentiality has raised concerns. Under existing laws, committee findings are intended to remain confidential, which some experts argue impedes transparency crucial for improving maternal health outcomes.
Advocates for reproductive rights worry that the restructuring of the MMRC may deter members from investigating politically sensitive circumstances surrounding maternal deaths. “This abrupt disbandment raises concerns about lost time and data,” said Monica Simpson, executive director of SisterSong, echoing fears regarding the potential chilling effect on future investigations.
The MMRC, which included 32 members from diverse medical and community backgrounds, has been vital in identifying actionable recommendations to reduce maternal mortality, with over 100 of the 113 pregnancy-related deaths between 2018 and 2020 deemed preventable. The committee’s recent reports led to improvements in emergency hospital procedures and greater access to mental health services.
As Georgia’s decision unfolds, the potential impacts on maternal health accountability raise pressing questions about the future of maternal mortality review processes, not just in Georgia but in other states grappling with similar issues.
Source
Photo credit georgiarecorder.com
