In 2023, more than 700 women around the world died each day from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth. Maternal mortality rates continue to rise even in countries with the highest healthcare spending, including the United States. U-M School of Nursing student and Rackham Ph.D. candidate Norpeli Lanyo witnessed these barriers firsthand during her 11 years as a midwife in Ghana. In this Student Spotlight, Lanyo discusses her research on maternal mortality, the role of patriarchal social structures and religiosity, and the policy changes needed to address the issue in the U.S. and globally.
