6: Maternal Mortality in Texas

Maternal health is widely seen as a key indicator of a society’s overall well-being. But two new reports out of Texas paint a concerning picture. America has the worst maternal death rate of any wealthy nation, and Texas ranks eighth worst state in the nation for maternal mortality. Here, we discuss the scope of the maternal mortality crisis in Texas, how it is unfolding in communities unevenly across the state, and potential policy responses amid broader public concern on maternal health issues. 

Discussants: 

• The Honorable David M. Satterfield, Director, Baker Institute for Public Policy and the Janice and Robert McNair Chair in Public Policy

• Rola El-Serag, M.D., L.E. and Virginia Simmons Senior Fellow in Health Policy, Director of the Center for Health & Biosciences, Baker Institute for Public Policy

• Elena M. Marks, J.D., M.P.H., Senior Fellow in Health Policy, Baker Institute for Public Policy

• McClain Sampson, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Graduate College of Social Work, University of Houston; Fellow in Maternal and Reproductive Health, Baker Institute for Public Policy