The following PowerPoint gives a brief overview of the 2015 UN Goal to Improve Maternal Health. Originally created for TUNIV 200 through University of Washington Tacoma.

1. Improving Maternal Health
BY CAYLA BERSCHEID

2. But first, some background…
 According to the un.org, “Maternal mortality has
declined by 45 per cent worldwide since 1990, with
most of the reduction occurring since 2000. In
Southern Asia, it declined by 64 per cent between 1990
and 2013, and in sub-Saharan Africa by 49 per cent.”
 And who.int claims that there were two main goals on
improving maternal health:
 1) Reduce maternal mortality by 75%
 2) Achieve universal access to reproductive health
 Unfortunately, these goals were not met in 2015, but that
doesn’t mean that we should stop improving on maternal
health!

3. Some facts from the World Health Organization
(WHO):
 1) About 830 women die daily from complications during pregnancy or childbirth
 2) 5 main reasons for death during pregnancy or childbirth (severe bleeding, infections, unsafe abortion, hypertensive
disorders, and medical complications).
 3) More than 135 women give birth per year
 4) Nearly 16 million girls (15-19 years old) give birth each year.
 5) Maternal health mirrors the gap between the rich and the poor.
 6) Most maternal deaths can be prevented.
 7) Many women don’t see a skilled health professional ENOUGH during pregnancy.
 8) Approximately 22 millions unsafe abortions are being preformed yearly.
 9) Reducing the maternal mortality rate has been a slow process.
 10) The lack of skilled care is the main obstacle to better health for mothers.

4. Why does it resonate for you?
 I feel that all women’s health is
important, whether that be before
pregnancy, during, and after.
 As presented by the WHO facts
(previous slide), one of the main
reasons for complications and
mortality during pregnancy is lack
of accessibility and knowledge. I
was lucky enough to have sex
education and health class in my
primary/secondary schooling, and
furthered my education in
reproductive rights and health in
college, but some people do not
have access to that!
This is just as important
as this.
 Aside from having accessibility to medical
professional resources (Reproductive
Endocrinologists, Ob-Gyns, Maternal-Fetal Specialists,
Family Physician, Midwife, Doula) that can assist with
physical care, it is also important for women to
understand their emotional and mental health
regarding their reproductive care and rights.

5. How can your interest be applied locally?
 Many locations have a type of Women’s Clinic (many locations JUST found in Tacoma) or
Planned Parenthood (Planned Parenthood – Tacoma Health Center).
 Teen Mentors via Planned Parenthood clinics also provide a diverse bunch of teens who
educate other teens on sexual reproduction and rights in which a teacher-student based
class setting might not provide a diverse background.
 Local businesses may also offer a safe space of alternative birthing care and classes.

6. Where can you make the greatest
contribution?
 I could become a sponsor and leader to promote a teen mentoring program via Planned Parenthood.
 Simply, it is important to be knowledgeable in the current stance on reproductive health and rights. This is
to not only be knowledgeable of current practices and laws, but to also challenge said practices if need be
locally or federally.
 If nothing else, volunteering in any way that I can would contribute greatly.
 Along with that, it would be beneficial to organize information nights so that people may ask questions
about sexual health/rights, whether it be their own or asking someone else.

7. Is there a feature on social media that can
be uniquely applied to this goal?
 As previously stated in Slide 5, small businesses
may choose to promote their content for
professional pregnancy/birthing services and
classes, and I have personally seen businesses
networking via Facebook.
 On that note, Planned Parenthood also uses
Facebook as a way to put out their contact
information as well as offering short bits of
advice regarding reproductive health/rights.
 At least on OIS Apple products, many Pregnancy
Tracker Apps are available for free as well for the
benefit of new mothers and families.