3 in 5 pregnancy-related deaths in America are preventable

About 700 women die every year in America due to pregnancy-related complications, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports. And now, a report released by the federal agency on Tuesday says that most of those deaths — three out of every five — are entirely preventable.

In addition to the 700 deaths every year from pregnancy-related issues, 50,000 more Americans face serious complications, even if they survive. Hospitals and health-care providers have blamed this figure on "mothers being too old, too fat, or too unhealthy," USA Today reported.

But per the CDC's findings, the fault may lie more with a widespread failure to follow the recommended best practices for pregnancy and childbirth safety. And there are also "persistent racial disparities" in the risks faced by mothers of different racial backgrounds in the U.S.

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The CDC's report calls for health care systems to be aware of the barriers that prevent high-risk women from getting appropriate treatment during their pregnancy and childbirth, as well as the warning signs that can predict pregnancy complications. "I urge the public health community to increase awareness with all expectant and new mothers about the signs of serious pregnancy complications," said Robert Redfield, the CDC's director. This awareness "can and does save lives." Read more at USA Today.