A recent report by the Commonwealth Fund sheds light on the growing threats to women's health and well-being in the United States, revealing significant disparities from state to state. The analysis, which focused on women's health care quality, outcomes, and access, ranked states based on 32 specific metrics.
States in the Northeast emerged as top performers, with Massachusetts leading the pack as the best-performing health system for women overall. On the other hand, states in the southern half of the country, such as Mississippi and Texas, were among the poorest performers.
The report underscores the urgent need for policymakers to address gaps in care to ensure all women have access to quality, affordable health care. Dr. Joseph Betancourt, president of the Commonwealth Fund, emphasized the disproportionate impact on women of color and those with low incomes.
One alarming finding of the report is the declining life expectancy for US women, reaching its lowest point since 2006. The authors highlighted increases in preventable deaths nationwide and significant variations in mortality rates among women of reproductive age across states.
Causes of death included pregnancy-related issues, mental health conditions, substance use, Covid-19, and treatable chronic health conditions. The report also pointed out a concerning rise in maternal mortality rates, particularly among Black and American Indian/Alaska Native women.
Access to reproductive health care services varied widely across states, with disparities in insurance coverage and quality of care. States that expanded Medicaid showed lower rates of maternal mortality and better access to reproductive health care services.
The report also highlighted the impact of restrictive abortion policies on maternity care workforce, raising concerns about potential reductions in care providers.
Overall, the report serves as a call to action for policymakers to address the critical issues affecting women's health across the country and work towards ensuring equitable access to care for all women.
