The COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to recent maternal mortality rates, as the virus is associated with an increased risk of serious complications during pregnancy. During the pandemic, Philadelphia’s maternal health care providers have worked tirelessly to care for Philadelphia’s pregnant and birthing women and have helped deliver 33,476 babies.
Since 2019, the Office of Women’s Engagement and the Philadelphia Commission for Women have been working with lawmakers, community organizations, city agencies, health care providers, and collective impact advocates to address the disparities in maternal mortality.
We thank the labor and delivery, postpartum and antepartum nurses; Residents and assistants in OB/GYN; midwives; doulas; Operating room staff (SOP); support staff; environmental services personnel and all who support maternity services in our city, and recognize Philadelphia Birthing Hospitals:
- Einstein Medical Center
- Temple University Hospital
- Pennsylvania Hospital
- Jefferson University Hospital
- University of Pennsylvania Hospital
Maternal Health Care Provider Appreciation Day to February 14, 2022 is a day to bring attention to the urgency of the maternal mortality crisis in Philadelphia and take this opportunity to thank our dedicated and hardworking maternal health care providers, who have continued to come forward for pregnant women and giving birth in these difficult times.
