WHO Checklist Slashes Stillbirth Rates

The WHO Safe Childbirth Checklist is a 29-item tool designed to help healthcare workers follow essential evidence-based practices during four critical pause points: on admission, before pushing, within an hour of birth, and before discharge. It targets the leading causes of the 303,000 maternal deaths, 2.6 million stillbirths, and 2.7 million newborn deaths that occur annually. Globally, an estimated 2 million stillbirths occur each year, with 98% happening in low- and middle-income countries. Stillbirth rates in these regions can be as high as 32 per 1,000 births, compared to 3-4 per 1,000 in high-income countries. A significant number of these deaths are preventable with access to better medical care, particularly during the intrapartum period. The global shortage of nearly one million midwives is a critical factor in these preventable deaths. Studies show that universal access to midwife-led care could prevent two-thirds of all maternal and newborn deaths and stillbirths. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the demand for nurse midwives will grow significantly faster than average, at a rate of 12% through 2032. In Virginia, recent legislation is expanding the role and sustainability of midwifery. House Bill 1923, which took effect in 2025, mandates equal reimbursement for all licensed midwives from private insurance and Medicaid. Another new law allows certified nurse-midwives in hospitals to provide newborn nursery care without a pediatrician being physically present, a crucial step for maintaining labor and delivery services in rural areas. Beyond checklists, new technologies are advancing maternal care. AI and predictive analytics are being used to identify high-risk pregnancies sooner. Remote monitoring is also expanding through wearable, FDA-approved devices that allow for non-stress tests and continuous tracking of both maternal and fetal vital signs from home.