Georgia proves its more interested in optics than obstetrics when it fires every member of maternal death review board

Georgia’s recent firing of every member of its Maternal Mortality Review Committee (MMRC) has sparked outrage, particularly after the committee’s findings regarding two preventable maternal deaths. Amber Thurman and Candi Miller died in situations linked to Georgia’s restrictive abortion laws, and the MMRC ruled their deaths as preventable. Thurman passed away after a delay in receiving a routine procedure, while Miller attempted an at-home abortion due to the state’s criminalization of abortion.

The state claimed the firings were due to a “confidentiality breach,” but many see this as a cover for the real issue: the MMRC’s honest findings about the role that Georgia’s abortion laws played in these deaths. Health officials, like Dr. Kathleen Toomey, justified the firings by citing “inappropriate sharing” of confidential information, but critics argue that the real motivation was the committee’s willingness to expose the deadly consequences of the state’s policies.

The MMRC was crucial for investigating maternal deaths and connecting them to state policies. With Georgia’s maternal death rate being double the national average, the committee’s work was essential in identifying systemic issues and holding leaders accountable. However, this transparency seems to have been too much for Georgia’s government, which now faces accusations of silencing dissent and evading accountability for the harmful effects of its abortion laws.

The timing of the firings raises further suspicion, especially considering the political context surrounding abortion rights in Georgia. This move could be seen as a tactic to prevent further scrutiny of the state’s abortion laws, especially as elections loom and the issue remains a contentious one. With the MMRC dismantled, the state’s commitment to addressing preventable maternal deaths is now in question.

The case of Candi Miller’s family highlights the human cost of this decision. Miller’s sister expressed disbelief at the state’s actions, feeling that the truth about her sister’s death was being erased. The state’s health department, meanwhile, offers no clarity on how the MMRC will be restructured, raising concerns that the new committee could be stacked with members who prioritize political loyalty over public health.

The reality is stark: out of the 113 pregnancy-related deaths reviewed in Georgia, 101 were deemed preventable. This underscores the urgency of the MMRC’s work and the devastating impact of Georgia’s policies on maternal health. Instead of addressing these issues, the state seems more focused on controlling the narrative and avoiding responsibility for the consequences of its actions.