In response to Making Pregnancy Safer, what are the current programs in the country to address maternal mortality and morbidity? Cite at least 1.
- Due to the increasing rate of maternal and newborn mortality in the past decades, the Department of Health implemented the National Safe Motherhood Program in line with the DOH Administrative Order 2008-0029 that provides strategies to rapidly reduce maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality. It aims to promote safer pregnancy and childbirth as well as the health and well-being of Filipino mothers throughout their pregnancies by providing complete access to high-quality and cost-effective healthcare services. This intends to ensure that these services are also accessible to economically disadvantaged women, allowing them to give birth safely in health facilities near their homes. Moreover, it also gives priority to pregnant teenagers and meets women's unmet contraceptive needs
What can you suggest in order to decrease our maternal mortality and morbidity in the country? Give at least 3 suggestions.
- Even before conception, women of childbearing age and of low socioeconomic status should be given a more comprehensive and extensive patient education regarding pregnancy, its potential complications, foods to consume, healthcare services available in health facilities, how to properly take care of oneself, etc. This can potentially reduce pregnancy-related issues and complications and can also improve perinatal outcomes.
- Women's access to medical and reproductive healthcare should be expanded and improved in the healthcare facilities per region and barangay in the country, including access to antibiotics, antenatal procedures, and emergency services even in far-flung areas. Having access to these services can help to improve maternal and fetal health, manage risk factors, and quickly resolve or avoid complications. It can also improve clinical and psychological outcomes during pregnancy and after delivery, as well as reduce infant morbidity and mortality.
- Advocate for making abortion legal in the country so that women who had unplanned pregnancies or who cannot afford to have a child do not have to resort to unsafe abortions and in turn avoid abortion complications and even deaths. I believe that every woman has the right to her own body and the freedom to do anything she wants with it, so this should not be stigmatized. Furthermore, legalizing abortion will improve the health and quality of life of thousands of women, including those who were raped and impregnated by relatives, for example.
References:
Department of Health. (2011). MNCHN strategy manual of operations (2nd ed.). Department of Health, National Center for Disease Prevention and Control
Department of Health. (2018, October 17). National safe motherhood program. https://doh.gov.ph/national-safe-motherhood-program
Department of Health. (n.d.). Safe motherhood program. https://doh.gov.ph/health-programs/safe-motherhood-program
Murray, D. (2021, October 23). Maternal mortality rate, causes, and prevention. https://www.verywellfamily.com/maternal-mortality-rate-causes-and-prevention-4163653