CDC Vital Signs: Many Women Report Mistreatment During Maternity Care

CDC Vital Signs Many women report mistreatment during maternity care. One in five women in a 2023 survey reported experiences of mistreatment during maternity care. Mistreatment was reported most often by Black, Hispanic, and multiracial mothers and those with public insurance or no insurance. The most common types of mistreatment reported were receiving no response to requests for help, being shouted at or scolded, not having their physical privacy protected, being threatened with withholding treatment, or made to accept unwanted treatment. Almost half of mothers reported holding back from asking questions or sharing concerns during their pregnancy or delivery. These negative experiences impact the quality of care and health outcomes for pregnant and postpartum women. What can be done? Open communication between women and health care providers is critical to detect potentially life-threatening pregnancy complications and ensure healthy mothers and babies. Maternity care providers can ensure patients are engaged in their health care and feel heard and respected. They can help their patients and those accompanying them understand urgent maternal warning signs and when to seek medical attention right away. Everyone can support pregnant and postpartum women in getting the care they need. Encourage them to seek medical help if something doesn't feel right and attend health care visits with them, if possible. If you are pregnant or gave birth within the last year, it's important to talk to your health care provider about anything that doesn't feel right. Get medical care right away if you experience an urgent maternal warning sign. To learn more, go to www.cdc.gov forward slash vital signs.