The Hidden Cause of Maternal Mortality in the United States - Professor Stavroulaki
From SLU LAW Summations by Saint Louis University School of Law
May 14, 2025 · 26 min
About this episode
Professor Stavroulaki discusses the impact of hospital mergers on maternal mortality in the U.S.
The United States has a maternal mortality issue. In 2021, the U.S. ranked 55th in the world for maternal mortality, by far the worst of any higher-income country. Even more concerning, Black women are disproportionately impacted and experience maternal mortality 2.6 times the rate for White women. Beyond the lack of access and ongoing systematic racism, a wave of hospital mergers has increased consolidation in the hospital industry, leaving vulnerable populations with no access to quality maternal care. Joining us today is Professor Theodosia Stavroulaki, who joined the Center for Health Law Studies Faculty in 2024. Professor Stavroulaki’s research has uncovered the overlooked impact of hospital mergers on maternal mortality and how antitrust law can influence the outcomes. Thank you for joining us today.
People in this episode
Guest: Professor Theodosia Stavroulaki
Topics covered
- maternal mortality
- hospital mergers
- systematic racism
- healthcare access
- antitrust law
Keywords
- maternal mortality
- hospital mergers
- Black women
- healthcare access
- antitrust law
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Center for Health Law Studies
Places: United States
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