Laurie Zephyrin

Jun 7, 2024 | commonwealthfund.org | Laurie Zephyrin

Women in the communities most affected by maternal health disparities are rallying together to establish birth centers that offer safer systems of care Ensuring birth centers can thrive in all communities will require more collaboration between the public and private sectors to address funding issues, strengthen the midwifery workforce, overhaul payment, and build public trust and interest As evidence of maternal health disparities continue to mount, showing consistently higher rates of death...

Oct 27, 2023 | healthaffairs.org | Pooja Mehta |Laurie Zephyrin

Recent data indicate that the US is still lagging behind peer countries on maternal health and well-being, with comparatively worsened maternal mortality, preterm birth, chronic disease burden, and unaffordable health care costs among birthing people. Related inequities in severe maternal morbidity, preterm birth, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, and postpartum readmission only tell part of the story.

Jul 20, 2023 | commonwealthfund.org | Laurie Zephyrin |Sara Rosenbaum |Josemiguel Rodriguez

While the case for race-conscious affirmative action in undergraduate admissions policies may have failed, the story is far different when it comes to medical education and health professions training. As a mountain of evidence makes clear, the argument for diversity in health care remains powerful. According to the decision handed down by the U.S. Supreme Court in Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v.

May 5, 2023 | commonwealthfund.org | Laurie Zephyrin

IntroductionMidwives are licensed health care providers who offer a wide range of essential reproductive and sexual health care services, from birth and newborn care to Pap tests and contraceptive care.

May 5, 2023 | tinyurl.com | Laurie Zephyrin

Issue Briefs / May 5, 2023 Midwives, integrated fully into U.S. maternity care, could help reduce perinatal health disparities and address provider workforce shortages Legislation and regulations restricting autonomous practice, lack of federal funding for education and training, and inequitable Medicaid reimbursement rates all limit broad access to midwifery care Midwives, incorporated fully into U.S. maternity care systems, could reduce perinatal health disparities and help address provider...