1. Other than the factors discussed in the lecture, what do you think are other factors affecting maternal mortality rate in the Philippines?
One of the factors that can affect maternal mortality not only in the Philippines but also in other countries is the COVID-19 pandemic. An article published by The Philippine Star in May of 2021 presents that based on the reports of the Commission on Population, there has been an increase in the number of maternal deaths in Metro Manila, Cebu, and Zamboanga. This trend was described as a “collateral effect” of the pandemic in terms of the pregnant women not being able to get the higher level of care at the right time. There were even instances where pregnant women seeking care had to be referred from one hospital to another as well as being advised to give birth in lying-in centers or lower-level hospitals.
2. What are the top 3 causes of maternal mortality ratio in the Philippines? Top 3 maternal morbidity?
According to the data presented in the lecture, the top causes of maternal mortality in the Philippines are (1) complications related to pregnancy which caused 38% of the maternal mortality cases, (2) hypertension causing 35%, and (3) hemorrhage causing 19%.
On the other hand, the top three causes of maternal morbidity in the country are: (1) hemorrhage which constitutes 31%, followed by (2) infection at 19%, and (3) unsafe abortion which caused 16% of the maternal morbidity cases in the country. Reiterating what Prof. Baccay stated in the video, it truly is alarming unsafe abortion is not only the third leading cause of maternal morbidity in the country, but also the fourth leading cause of maternal mortality. These cases could have been prevented with the legalization of abortion in the country, as women would no longer need to go to illegal abortion clinics if they ever choose to terminate the pregnancy.
Reference:
Jaymalin, M. (2021, May 4). Popcom sees higher maternal mortality. Philstar.com. Retrieved February 14, 2022, from https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2021/05/05/2095970/popcom-sees-higher-maternal-mortality