Maternal Health Crisis in TN Discussed at Lawrenceburg Rotary Club

Members of the Lawrenceburg Rotary Club heard a program addressing Tennessee’s maternal health crisis and the challenges facing women and healthcare providers across the state at its regular meeting on Friday, May 15, 2026.

The program was introduced by Sandra Gaskins of the Hendersonville Morning Rotary Club. Featured speakers were Dr. Katrina Green and Dr. Amy Gordon Bono, who discussed maternal mortality, healthcare access, and the impact of current Tennessee laws on pregnancy-related care.

Dr. Green shared alarming statistics regarding maternal health in Tennessee and across the nation. She noted that a woman dies from pregnancy-related causes every two minutes worldwide and stated that Tennessee currently has the highest maternal mortality rate in the United States. She also discussed disparities in outcomes, noting that Black women experience maternal mortality rates three times higher than white women. According to Dr. Green, approximately 90 percent of pregnancy-related deaths are considered preventable, with substance abuse disorder identified as the leading contributing factor. She also cited inadequate or absent prenatal care as a major concern and explained that many pregnancy-related deaths occur after delivery rather than during childbirth itself. Dr. Green further discussed the lack of maternity services in Tennessee, noting that 36 of the state’s 95 counties do not have birthing centers. She reviewed legislative efforts currently under discussion that seek to address maternal healthcare access and outcomes.

Dr. Amy Gordon Bono addressed the effects of current Tennessee abortion laws on patient care and healthcare providers. She explained that approximately one in every four to five pregnancies ends in miscarriage and discussed challenges physicians face in obtaining medications and providing timely treatment for miscarriage management, Dr. Bono discussed provisions of Tennessee’s Human Life Protection Act and described situations involving life-threatening medical conditions where physicians face uncertainty because of legal definitions and restrictions. She stated that women in states with abortion bans are statistically more likely to die during pregnancy or childbirth and described the difficult position physicians face in attempting to balance patient care with evolving legal requirements. The presentation also addressed legislative proposals involving exceptions for certain medical conditions, rape, incest, and minors under age 13, as well as the impact current laws have on delays in treatment, medications, and healthcare availability.

The speakers outlined several steps Tennessee could take to improve maternal health outcomes, including expanding healthcare access, allowing evidence-based medical practice, providing paid family and sick leave, and considering additional medical exceptions within state law. Dr. Green and Dr. Bono encouraged attendees to speak with legislators, discuss concerns with healthcare providers, educate others on maternal health issues, and remain active in the civic process.

The Lawrenceburg Rotary Club thanked Sandra Gaskins, Dr. Katrina Green, and Dr. Amy Gordon Bono for providing an informative and thought-provoking program on an important public health issue.

The Lawrenceburg Rotary Club meets weekly and is dedicated to community service, humanitarian efforts, youth programs, and educational initiatives that benefit Lawrence County and beyond.

 Caption (L to R):  Rotary President Maria Santini, Dr. Katrina Green, Dr. Amy Gordon Bono and Hendersonville Morning Rotarian Sandra Gaskins