Cardio-Obstetrics de novo: A State-level, Evidence-based Approach for Addressing Maternal Mortality and Severe Maternal Morbidity in Georgia

Abstract

Georgia has a high rate of severe maternal morbidity and mortality when compared to the rest of the United States^1-6. Evidence gained from the Georgia Maternal Mortality Review Committee identified areas of focus for high yield clinical initiatives for improvement in maternal health outcomes^2,7,8. Cardiovascular disease, including cardiomyopathy, coronary conditions, and pre-eclampsia/eclampsia, is the most common cause of pregnancy-related death in non-Hispanic, Black women in Georgia^9-11. Development of a Cardio-Obstetrics program is an initiative to advance health equity by decreasing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. This report describes the following: (1) state-level advocacy for improving maternal health outcomes with funding gained through the legislative process and partnership with a governmental agency; (2) Cardio-Obstetrics program development based on evidence gained from the maternal mortality review process; and (3) implementation of a Cardio-Obstetrics service, beginning with a focused approach for capacity building and understanding barriers to care.

Keywords: advocacy; health disparities; health equity; peripartum cardiomyopathy; pregnancy-related death; public health.