PBH 375 - US Maternal Health Disparities

The United States is currently facing a preventable maternal health crisis, with continuous high rates of maternal mortality and morbidity. This course will explore the opportunities and challenges in preventing pregnancy-related death among women in the US. An investigation of current health issues related to women during the preconception, prenatal, and postpartum periods will be explored. Additionally, the life course perspective principles will be used to connect social and environmental exposures to reproductive health outcomes. Peer-review articles, news media, documentaries, case studies, and books will be used to identify disparities, health inequities and opportunities for improvement of health among women of reproductive age.