In 2018 there were 197 deaths of women either when pregnant or when giving birth. Of these, 89 lived in Greater Santo Domingo and four were foreigners. The group at the highest risk is that of women in their teens to 30 years of age. Of the deaths, authorities say that 87% were avoidable.
The nationwide totals from 2014 until 2018 are: 179 (2014); 189 (2015); 169 (2016), 188 (2017) and 197 (2018). These numbers are more than double the figure that the nation’s health authorities are aiming for: 70 fatalities per 100,000 live births. Some blame the lack of expertise on the part of the medical personnel, and the doctors blame the authorities for a lack of basic supplies. Meanwhile babies and mothers continue to be at risk of dying while being treated.
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MetroRD
Diario Libre
14 January 2019
