Severe complications among pregnant veterans have nearly doubled over the past decade, a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report reveals. The increase is particularly alarming for Black women veterans, who face significantly higher complication rates.
The report underscores the urgent need for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to enhance its data collection and analysis on severe complications, mental health, and the racial and ethnic backgrounds of affected veterans. This comprehensive approach aims to pinpoint the root causes of the escalating complication rates and the stark racial disparities observed.
The VA is prioritizing the reduction of racial and ethnic disparities in maternal health, as highlighted by a 2018 ProPublica series titled “Lost Mothers,” which brought national attention to the maternal health crisis in the United States. Research indicates that Black women in the general population are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications compared to their white counterparts.
The connection between mental health conditions and pregnancy-related complications further complicates the situation, necessitating thorough screenings and oversight by the VA.
Officials, including Johnson, emphasize the agency’s commitment to ensuring veterans have the healthiest pregnancy outcomes possible. The GAO’s recommendations call for a more detailed understanding of the factors contributing to the increase in complications and the disparities among different racial and ethnic groups.
“Severe Complications for Pregnant Veterans Nearly Doubled in the Last Decade, a GAO Report Finds” (February 23, 2024)
