Select the state where you plan to practice as a nurse practitioner and/or nurse leader and investigate the state’s policies on access to maternal health resources such as contraceptive care including abortion for women with and without health insurance coverage. Identify what are the state’s infant and maternal mortality rates and discuss the possible relationship between these factors.
Please be sure to adhere to the following when posting your weekly discussions:
1. A minimum of 2 paragraphs is required for all posts (initials and replies).
2. All discussion posts must be minimum 250 words, references must be cited in APA format 7th Edition, and must include minimum of 2 different scholarly resources published within the past 5 years. Students must respond at least to 2 different posts on 2 separate days. Response posts must be minimum 150 words each.
Let’s select California as the state for this discussion. Here is the information based on the state’s policies and current statistics:
California’s Policies on Maternal Health Resources
California has progressive policies regarding maternal health resources, including comprehensive contraceptive care and abortion services. The state mandates that both public and private health insurance plans provide coverage for a broad range of contraceptive methods without cost-sharing. This includes over-the-counter contraceptives and those provided by healthcare professionals. California also upholds the right to abortion, with Medi-Cal covering abortion services for women who qualify for this public insurance program. For uninsured women, California offers several programs, such as the Family PACT program, which provides family planning services including contraceptives, sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, and limited infertility services at no cost to low-income residents.
Infant and Maternal Mortality Rates in California
According to the California Department of Public Health, the state’s maternal mortality rate has been decreasing over the years, with recent figures showing approximately 7.3 deaths per 100,000 live births, significantly lower than the national average. California’s infant mortality rate stands at about 4.2 deaths per 1,000 live births, also below the national average. These positive health outcomes can be attributed to the state’s extensive maternal health programs and policies aimed at improving prenatal and postnatal care.
Relationship Between Policies and Mortality Rates
The relationship between California’s progressive health policies and its relatively low maternal and infant mortality rates is evident. Access to comprehensive contraceptive care allows women to plan their pregnancies better, reducing the incidence of unintended pregnancies and associated health risks. Abortion access also plays a crucial role, providing safe options for women facing unwanted or medically complicated pregnancies. Furthermore, the availability of maternal health resources for uninsured women ensures that low-income populations receive necessary care, which can significantly impact health outcomes. The state’s focus on preventive care, early intervention, and support services for pregnant women contributes to the lower mortality rates, showcasing the effectiveness of inclusive and comprehensive healthcare policies.
References
- California Department of Public Health. (2021). Maternal and Infant Health Assessment (MIHA). Retrieved from [URL]
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2020). Access to contraception and reproductive health care in California. Retrieved from [URL]