Essential Reads: Maternal Suicide in the United States, The Latest Research & Data Collection Efforts

By | October 17, 2021

Maternal suicide is a leading cause of maternal mortality. Despite common misconceptions, pregnancy and the postpartum period do not protect against the risk of psychiatric disorders or suicide. It has become increasingly urgent and important to normalize the discussion of maternal suicide to raise awareness and double-down on maternal suicide tracking and prevention efforts. 

In a webinar put together by 2020 Mom, presenters provide an overview of maternal suicide, review risk factors for suicide in this population, and discuss efforts to generate accurate data on maternal suicide.

Webinar: Link

Webinar: Slides

For those of you who are not familiar with 2020 Mom, read more about their mission HERE.  In 2018, 2020 Mom launched the Maternal Suicide Awareness Campaign to remember moms lost to maternal suicide, and to raise awareness about maternal suicide, one of the leading causes of maternal mortality.

Sidra Goldman-Mellor, PhD, MPH

Lead Investigator, Maternal drug-related death and suicide are leading causes of post-partum death in California

University of California, Merced

Marcela Smid, MD MA MS

Lead Investigator: Pregnancy-Associated Death in Utah: Contribution of Drug-Induced Deaths

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah

Medical Director of SUPeRAD (Substance Use and Pregnancy – Recovery, Addiction, Dependence) Clinic

Kara Zivin, PhD, MS, MA, MFA

Researcher and Peer with Lived Maternal Mental Health Experience

Lead Investigator, Trends in Suicidal Ideation and Self-Harm Among Privately Insured Delivering Women

Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan

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