Human Rights Watch’s Post

Today, the UNFPA reported that African women are 130 times more likely to die from pregnancy or childbirth complications than women in Europe and Northern America. The report, “Interwoven Lives, Threads of Hope,” shows over half of preventable maternal deaths occur in crisis-hit countries | Orapuh bit.ly/4aCfd2u #orapuh #africanwomen

Today, the UNFPA reported that African women are 130 times more likely to die from pregnancy or childbirth complications than women in Europe and Northern America. The report, “Interwoven Lives, Threads of Hope,” shows over half of preventable maternal deaths occur in crisis-hit countries | Orapuh bit.ly/4aCfd2u #orapuh #africanwomen

The amended #MedicalTerminationOfPregnancy Act allows for termination of pregnancy up to 24 weeks for survivors of sexual assault or rape or incest; minors; those with change in marital status during pregnancy; women with physical disabilities; mentally ill women; women with pregnancy in humanitarian settings or disaster or emergency situations and in cases of substantial fetal malformation. Here’s what the master trainers have to say in this series to mark #ThreeYearsofProgress 

Understanding the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act Today, women make up half of the workforce and an increasing number of them are choosing to continue working during pregnancy and shortly after childbirth. It is important that pregnant women are given the opportunity to support their families without compromising their own health or the health of their baby. The government has recognized this need by implementing the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (“PWFA”) on June 27, 2023.

Today marks the start of Black Maternal Health Awareness Week. Black mothers remain 4x more likely to die in pregnancy, childbirth & postpartum. This week is a reminder that action is needed to address the inequalities Black women face at every stage of the birthing journey. #BlackMaternalHealthAwarenessWeek #BHMAW24

Are we caring well for UK mothers in 2024? Maternal mortality is death of the mother during or up to six weeks after pregnancy. Between 2019 and 2021, MBRRACE data showed that Black women were almost four times as likely to die during or up to six weeks after pregnancy than White women ; for Asian women, the maternal mortality rate was almost twice as high as for White women. Mental health-related causes accounted for almost 40 % of the deaths occurring six weeks to a year after the end of pregnancy. MBRRACE found that for any ethnicity, women living in deprived areas were twice as likely to die during or directly after pregnancy than women from affluent areas. 12 % of the women who died during or up to a year after pregnancy over the period covered by the report were at multiple severe disavantages, including mental health issues, domestic abuse or substance use, and maternal healthcare staff were often expected to care for women with those disadvantages without proper training. https://lnkd.in/ep6nQw2N #maternalmortality #pregnacy #motherhood #mentalhealth

CLIENT ALERT: On June 18, 2024, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s (EEOC) final rule regarding the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) will go into effect. Employers will be required to provide accommodations to workers for conditions related to, affected by, or arising out of pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions. Our latest Client Alert covers these accommodations and key employer takeaways: https://lnkd.in/guv3yDR9 #KutakRock #EmploymentLaw #FairnessAct

Black women in the U.S. continue to face the highest rates of maternal mortality. After receiving a “D-grade” for preterm birth from the March of Dimes, a county in Illinois aims to tackle this issue by expanding access to doula care to guide women through a safe pregnancy. https://hubs.ly/Q031Y2Ky0

Is ADA Paperwork Available for Pregnancy Accommodations? ADADuringPregnancy #PregnancyAccommodations #HighRiskPregnancy #WorkplaceRights Understanding ADA During Pregnancy Expecting a baby is undoubtedly an exciting time, but it can also be filled with challenges, especially when it comes to balancing work and health—particularly in a high-risk pregnancy. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) can offer some guidance and support. What is ADA? 👩⚖️ The ADA is a federal law designed to protect individuals with disabilities... Read more: https://lnkd.in/g4EjZxR4

Safe Access Zones are now in effect, to ensure people can access termination of pregnancy services without fear of influence or intimidation. For more information see https://lnkd.in/egk64ZXP