The death of a new mother is a heartbreaking event, especially when it could have been prevented. The recent case of Abirami Goyal, who tragically bled to death at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center just hours after giving birth, highlights the urgent need for improved maternal care and greater accountability within the healthcare system.
The Story of Abirami Goyal
Abirami Goyal, a 31-year-old first-time mother, arrived at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center full of hope and anticipation for the birth of her child. She underwent an emergency C-section, and while the delivery initially seemed successful, a devastating series of events unfolded. Doctors discovered “profuse” bleeding, but their response was allegedly delayed and inadequate. Despite emergency surgery, including a hysterectomy, Goyal tragically succumbed to postpartum hemorrhage, leaving behind her husband and newborn daughter.
A Lawsuit Seeking Justice and Accountability
Goyal’s family is now suing Providence Health for $100 million, alleging that medical negligence and systemic failures led to her preventable death. The lawsuit claims that medical professionals failed to:
- Properly monitor Goyal’s blood loss after the C-section.
- Timely and effectively treat the hemorrhage.
- Recognize the need for a hysterectomy sooner.
The Rising Tide of Maternal Mortality in the U.S.
Goyal’s tragic death is not an isolated incident. Maternal mortality rates in the United States have been steadily rising, a stark contrast to the trend in most other developed countries. According to the CDC, the U.S. maternal mortality rate in 2021 was 32.9 deaths per 100,000 live births, a significant increase from 2018 and a stark reminder of the challenges faced by mothers in accessing quality healthcare.
The Disproportionate Impact on Black Mothers
While maternal mortality is a crisis affecting all races and ethnicities, Black women face a significantly higher risk of dying from pregnancy-related complications.
- Three Times the Risk: Black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than White women. (CDC)
- Persistent Disparities: These racial disparities persist across age groups, education levels, and socioeconomic status.
Underlying Causes of Racial Disparities
The reasons behind these disparities are complex and multifaceted, rooted in systemic inequities and implicit bias within the healthcare system:
- Implicit Bias: Studies have shown that implicit bias among healthcare providers can lead to differences in the quality of care received by minority women.
- Access to Care: Minority women are more likely to face barriers to accessing quality prenatal and postpartum care, including lack of insurance, limited access to healthcare providers, and transportation challenges.
- Pre-existing Conditions: Minorty women are more likely to have pre-existing health conditions that can increase the risk of pregnancy complications.
- Stress and Trauma: The cumulative impact of stress, trauma, and discrimination can negatively impact Minority women’s health and pregnancy outcomes.
Statistics Paint a Grim Picture
- Severe Maternal Morbidity: Minority women experience severe maternal morbidity (unexpected outcomes of labor and delivery that result in significant short- or long-term consequences) at a rate three times higher than White women. (CDC)Â Â
- Cardiovascular Conditions: Minority women are more likely to die from cardiovascular conditions during pregnancy or postpartum.
- Preeclampsia and Eclampsia: These pregnancy-related hypertensive disorders occur more frequently and with greater severity in Minority women.
The Causes of Maternal Mortality
Several factors contribute to maternal deaths in the U.S., including:
- Cardiovascular conditions: Heart conditions and stroke are the leading causes of maternal death.
- Hemorrhage: Severe bleeding, as in Goyal’s case, is a major cause of maternal mortality.
- Infection: Infections during pregnancy or postpartum can lead to sepsis and other life-threatening complications.
- Preeclampsia and eclampsia: These pregnancy-related hypertensive disorders can cause serious complications for both mother and baby.
- Mental health conditions: Suicide and drug overdoses are contributing factors to maternal mortality.
The Need for Systemic Change
Addressing the maternal mortality crisis, particularly the racial disparities, requires a comprehensive approach:
- Improved Access to Care: Ensure all women have access to quality prenatal and postpartum care, regardless of race or socioeconomic status.
- Early Detection and Intervention: Improve early detection and treatment of pregnancy complications.
- Standardized Protocols: Implement standardized protocols for managing obstetric emergencies.
- Culturally Competent Care: Provide culturally sensitive care that addresses the unique needs of diverse populations.
- Addressing Implicit Bias: Implement training and interventions to reduce implicit bias among healthcare providers.
- Mental Health Support: Expand access to mental health services for pregnant and postpartum women.
The Role of Legal Action
Wrongful death lawsuits, like the one filed by Goyal’s family, hold healthcare providers accountable for preventable maternal deaths and drive systemic change.
Child & Birth Injury Lawyers: Advocates for Mothers and Families
Our Team of Child & Birth Injury Lawyers is committed to representing families affected by birth injuries, medical malpractice, and maternal deaths. We understand the devastating impact of these tragedies and are dedicated to fighting for the rights of those who have been harmed.If you or a loved one has suffered due to medical negligence during pregnancy or childbirth, contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll provide compassionate legal guidance and work tirelessly to secure the justice and compensation you deserve.
