New mothers in the United States die at higher rates than anywhere else in the developed world, and the problem seems to be getting worse, not better, in recent years.

In Arizona, an estimated 20 women die for every 100,000 live births, and 89% of those deaths are preventable, according to the Department of Health Services.

Last year at the state legislature, Gov. Doug Ducey signed a bill establishing a 13-member advisory committee to find out just how bad the problem is here in Arizona. Now, that committee is out with its first report of draft recommendations on the issue.

The Show spoke with the health department’s assistant director of public health prevention services, Sheila Sjolander.

More Stories From KJZZ

• Indigenous Initiative Seeks To Reduce Maternal Mortality Rate
• CDC Awards Arizona $450,000 To Study Maternal Mortality