On the recordJuly 30, 1996
Today is my 56th birthday. I am very, very happy to be here because on my 30th birthday, 26 years ago, I spent it in intensive care, getting last rites, suffering from complications due to childbirth. Obviously, safe motherhood has always been a great concern of mine. I am putting today in the Record the report that I asked for from the Department of Health and Human Services on the status of safe motherhood in America. This report goes right at the myths, and it is time we put those myths aside. I was startled by the findings that almost 25 percent of the deliveries in America, both vaginal and caesarean, have serious maternal complications. I was startled to read that probably maternal deaths are underreported by at least half. It is time we start dealing with this health risk to women very seriously, put the myths aside, and I hope everyone reads this report.
Source
govinfo.gov
