Apple News Today The hidden dangers of being pregnant in America
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Nov 8, 2025 Journalist Irin Carmon, author of 'Unbearable: Five Women and the Perils of Pregnancy in America,' discusses the shocking maternal mortality rate in the U.S. and the preventable nature of most deaths. She highlights systemic failures in maternal healthcare that treat pregnant individuals as less than human and the disparity Black women face in medical settings. Irin contrasts the care quality between midwives and hospitals, sharing harrowing stories of women like Maggie and Christine to underscore the urgent need for reform and advocacy.
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Pregnancy In The U.S. Is Unusually Dangerous
- The U.S. is the most dangerous high-income country to be pregnant by multiple measures. 80% of maternal deaths are preventable according to the CDC.
Dehumanization Shapes Pregnancy Care
- Pregnancy triggers gendered expectations and intense scrutiny that change how people are treated. Respectful treatment, more than birth location or method, most influences patient experience.
Structural Causes Of Racial Gaps In Outcomes
- Structural factors drive racial gaps in maternal outcomes, including hospital quality and profit-driven decisions. Many counties are maternal-care deserts and insurance timing leaves gaps before pregnancy confirmation.
