Georgia Dismisses Maternal Mortality Committee After Confidentiality Breach

Georgia's public health commissioner, Dr. Kathleen Toomey, has terminated the state's Maternal Mortality Review Committee following an internal leak that exposed details of two pregnancy-related deaths tied to the state's draconian abortion regulations. While an investigation did not reveal the source of the leak, Toomey cited violations of state law and confidentiality agreements as justifications for her conclusion.

In September, ProPublica reported that the committee determined that Amber Thurman and Candi Miller's deaths were preventable. According to the study, doctors were hesitant to undertake life-saving treatments due to Georgia's draconian abortion laws. The discoveries sparked controversy over abortion rights and became a talking issue in Vice President Kamala Harris' candidacy.

The group determining the causes of pregnancy-related mortality and averting future crises will be reformed. Toomey stated that the removal would be sufficient for the committee's work, as applications for new members would open soon.

Critics claim that the decision contradicts Georgia's attempts to improve maternal health. Monica Simpson of SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective described the departure as "abrupt," raising worries about potential gaps in important data collecting.

"This is a scare tactic meant to stop full investigations into the circumstances of pregnant women's deaths across the state," said Alicia Stallworth, Director of Georgia Campaigns at Reproductive Freedom for All.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, who signed a six-week abortion ban into law in 2019, has distanced himself from the committee's oversight, which the Department of Public Health handles. His spokesperson reiterated that the governor does not appoint members or reveal their identity.

As Georgia's maternal health policies come under investigation, advocates emphasize the importance of maintaining accountability and transparency in addressing pregnancy-related mortality.

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