South Carolina fails on maternal and infant health, data shows
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - A failing grade for the third year in a row is what South Carolina received on a recent report card, rating the state on maternal and infant healthcare, specifically when it comes to preterm birth.
The preterm birth rate currently sits at 11.6, which is higher than the state average.
“I think my first initial reaction was shock and dismay. Like, how come nobody is yelling at the rooftop?” said Ebonie Garnett with the Black Doulas of Columbia.
She said she’s seen it first-hand.
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“Mothers struggling to find maternal healthcare and disparities throughout the Black maternal community,” said Garnett.
“I’m not shocked at this F. I’m not shocked at the rates of the health disparities. Something has to change for the outcomes to get better,” she said.
A recent March of Dimes report shows that in South Carolina, the preterm birth rate among black babies is 1.4 times higher than the rate among all other babies.
“Well, the statistics are alarming,” said Maya Pack, South Carolina Institute of Medicine and Public Health.
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She said what’s causing these alarming stats is several maternal health deserts across South Carolina. Those are counties with no hospitals or birthing centers and no obstetricians.
“Even some hospitals that are still open have stopped providing labor and delivery services. Mom and babies need more across our state right now,” Pack said.
Pack said she’s hoping a 12-step action plan that her organization created will help bring maternal healthcare into Rural areas.
March of Dimes also said the solution has to come from new policies and more funding that can help sustain maternal and infant healthcare.
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