1.
Other than the discussed factors that affect the maternal mortality rate in the Philippines, the allocation of funds from the government is a factor. Despite the increase of allocated funds for the health sector this year in comparison to last year’s budget, this year the health sector only received 264.5 billion pesos in contrast to what is allocated for building infrastructures that tally to 786.6 billion pesos. This may suggest that the government’s priority towards building structures is more than improving people’s lives, even more so during this time that we are facing a pandemic.
In addition, the religious beliefs of policy/lawmakers can also be a factor that affects the maternal mortality rate in the Philippines. These belief hinders policy/lawmaker to legalize safer options especially with the topic of abortion.
2.
According to the 2010 data of the Department of Health and from the lecture, the top 3 causes of maternal mortality in the Philippines are 1) Complications related to pregnancy occurring in the course of labor, delivery, and puerperium, 2) Hypertension complicating pregnancy, childbirth, and puerperium, and 3) Postpartum hemorrhage.
As for the top 3 causes of maternal morbidity the leading cause is 1) Hemorrhage followed by 2) Infection and 3) Unsafe Abortion.
Sources:
Recovery, Growth, and Sustainability Highlighted in the Signed FY 2022 National Budget. (2021, December 30). Dbm.gov.ph. https://www.dbm.gov.ph/index.php/secretary-s-corner/press-releases/list-of-press-releases/2036-recovery-growth-and-sustainability-highlighted-in-the-signed-fy-2022-national-budget
Maternal Deaths By Main Cause | Department of Health website. (2020). Doh.gov.ph. https://doh.gov.ph/Statistics/Maternal-Deaths-By-Main-Cause