Mother's Index, America you can do better.

USA ranks 4^th in the list of most developed nations after Norway, Australia and Netherlands. However its ranking for best place for Mothers/Women/Children doesn't quite list as high.

Yes, the greatest nation in the world is ranked No. 25 best place for Mother's and No. 19 for Women in general and for Children its no. 31. Really! You’d think at least in terms of a good place for kids America would be higher up in the ranking, but out of the 47 developed countries, it ranks 31 for kids.

And again as per the report, it’s the only Developed Country which has the minimum maternity leave benefits of 12 weeks and 0 pay. Yes the only country where you don’t get paid when on maternity leave. That means, as soon as you have recovered enough to return to work you do, as you have to make ends meets, if not returning to work before full recovery. 

Also the lifetime risk of maternal death is 1 in 2100, which 4^th highest (out of the developed countries) after Albania (1700), Russia Federation (1900) and Republic of Moldova (2000).

Also per another study, USA has fairly high rates of preterm births (10-15 births every 100 live births). Could this have do with the treatment of pregnant women in general? Having to work up to the day you deliver so you can use those 12 weeks with the baby rather than give yourself a much deserve break during the pregnancy? I am just speculating, but I have a feeling that this may be related.

Source:http://www.savethechildren.org/atf/cf/%7B9def2ebe-10ae-432c-9bd0-df91d2eba74a%7D/BORNTOOSOON-WALLCHART-APRIL2012.PDF

The full list of Mother's Index as per Save the Children details how they came up with these numbers and what this ranking is based on. So don't shoot the messenger I am just pointing out what they have researched.

I am a little shocked to see these numbers. Surely this is something that really needs to be addressed and improved. These newborns/children are the future of the Nation, they deserve better. And this Nation can do better to provide them a healthier and better tomorrow.