The North Dakota State-funded maternal mortality review committee is requesting a fivefold increase in funding to $240,000 for the 2025-2027 budget cycle. The committee analyzes data on pregnancy-related deaths in the state and aims to address the higher maternal death rate compared to the national average. The increase in funding would cover expenses for additional staff, medical education, and travel costs to improve data collection.
Dr. Dennis Lutz, chair of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, highlighted the importance of preventing maternal deaths and complications through increased funding. The current budget for the committee is $48,000 for the 2023-2025 biennium.
The committee is facing barriers in collecting accurate data on maternal deaths, especially among Native residents and those in rural areas. Studies have shown that American Indian mothers accounted for 30% of maternal deaths in North Dakota over a 15-year span. The committee is also interested in collecting data on maternal morbidity to identify trends and potential interventions to improve maternal health care.
The committee’s research on maternal deaths and complications is presented to medical professionals to educate them on preventing maternal mortality. The impact of the state’s abortion ban on maternal health care is not yet known, as the law was active from April 2023 to September 2024 before being declared unconstitutional.
Overall, the committee’s efforts aim to reduce maternal mortality rates in North Dakota and improve access to quality maternal health care for all residents.
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