May 05, 2021 The Louisiana Department of Health is reporting additional progress in reducing severe maternal morbidity among birthing persons who experience hemorrhage and severe hypertension in facilities that are part of the Louisiana Perinatal Quality Collaborative (LaPQC). The LaPQC’s final report on Reducing Maternal Morbidity, issued today, shows that severe maternal morbidity among hemorrhage was reduced by nearly 35% and severe maternal morbidity among hypertension was reduced by almost 12%. The Reducing Maternal Morbidity Initiative was designed to reduce the occurrence of two recognized contributors to maternal morbidity and mortality: preventable hypertension and/or hemorrhage, while also reducing disparities in outcomes. This data shows that Louisiana has made significant progress toward ensuring safe, equitable and dignified births for all birthing persons in Louisiana. The final report covers work that began in 2018 with the launch of the Louisiana Department of Health’s Louisiana Perinatal Quality Collaborative, which is authorized under the Louisiana Commission on Perinatal Care and Prevention of Infant Mortality. The LaPQC has been working with 42 birthing facilities, including hospitals, using quality improvement science to create sustainable change that improves maternal outcomes.