The Food and Drug Administration has made a groundbreaking decision by approving a test that can detect preeclampsia, a leading cause of maternal death in the United States. Preeclampsia is a dangerous form of high blood pressure that can occur during pregnancy or after childbirth, particularly affecting Black women. The recent death of Olympic sprinter Tori Bowie due to childbirth complications has brought attention to this issue and sparked discussions about the nation’s maternal health crisis.
While the approval of the new preeclampsia test is seen as a step forward in improving childbirth safety in the US, experts like Dr. Mike Aziz caution that it is not a cure-all solution. The test may not effectively protect the most vulnerable women at risk of developing preeclampsia. Dr. Aziz emphasizes that quick fixes are not the answer to the maternal mortality epidemic, and systemic changes are needed.
Developed by Thermo Fisher Scientific, this blood test can predict the likelihood of severe preeclampsia within the next two weeks. Traditionally, doctors assess a patient’s risk through blood pressure monitoring and protein checks in urine, but the new test offers enhanced accuracy. It is important to note that there is currently no cure for preeclampsia, and the only way to alleviate the condition is by delivering the baby, which increases the risk of premature birth.
Time plays a crucial role in preeclampsia care, leading to pregnant patients displaying warning signs being frequently hospitalized and closely monitored. The new test aims to reduce lengthy hospital stays by allowing doctors to discharge low-risk patients. However, Dr. Aziz raises concerns about the practicality of a test that assumes pregnant patients can visit the doctor every two weeks, especially considering the growing number of American women who face barriers in accessing basic prenatal care. According to the March of Dimes, over one-third of counties in the US lack obstetric resources or birth centers, highlighting the lack of accessibility to crucial healthcare services.
Dr. Aziz fears that innovative tests, like the one developed by Thermo Fisher, may divert attention from addressing the underlying causes of the US maternal health crisis. He believes that the focus should be on systemic changes that improve access to care, particularly preventive care, despite the lack of profitability involved.
In addition, concerns have been raised regarding potential medical racism impacting the effectiveness of the new testing option, particularly for Black mothers. Chastity Mays, a certified doula, questions how OB-GYNs will respond to the test results and whether racial bias might influence their decisions. Mays has witnessed numerous instances where Black mothers, showing clear signs of pregnancy complications, including preeclampsia, were dismissed by medical professionals.
The tragic death of Tori Bowie serves as a stark reminder that pregnancy and childbirth pose greater risks for Black mothers, regardless of their wealth or fame. The lack of belief in the pain experienced by Black women is a systemic issue within the medical system that necessitates more than just a single test to address and rectify.
Overall, while the approval of the preeclampsia test is an important advancement, it is essential to recognize that it is just one piece of a complex puzzle. Comprehensive systemic changes, improved access to care, and addressing medical biases are crucial steps towards reducing maternal mortality rates in the US.
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