New Study Finds That US Most Dangerous Place to Give Birth

A new investigation from USA Today says the United States is the most dangerous place to give birth in the developed world.  Citing maternal mortality rates and the rate at which mothers get injured during or after childbirth, the study says much of it boils down to hospitals not following long-known safety measures.  The leading cause of injury or death in new mothers is hemorrhaging, or extreme blood loss.  One exception to the national trend is California, where the maternal death rate has been cut in half due to new standards and training.  The full investigation provides a state-by-state analysis and ranking of maternal mortality rates.