Posted Tue May 4, 4:58 am ET by WASHINGTON (AFP) – The United States has scored poorly on a campaign group's list of the best countries in which to be a mother, managing only 28th place, and bettered by many smaller and poorer countries.
...One factor that dragged the US ranking down was its maternal mortality rate, which at one in 4,800 is one of the highest in the developed world, said the report.
The full article can be found HERE. I was shocked to read the horrific stats on infant mortality and maternal death that landed the US so low on this list. Unfortunately, it is not completely unimaginable given that maternity leave is almost non-existent, that so many mothers go back to work so quickly following childbirth, and that Medicaid seemingly encourages those covered under the plan to increase the size of their families while unable to adequately provide for them. The article would have held more merit in my eyes it the entire list had been published and the factors considered in ranking the countries. Regardless, I am thankful, and not at all surprised to see that Germany ranked in the top 10.
Having lived here for the past 5 years (almost) under a "socialized medicine" system, I can attest to the benefits. Yes, it costs more than the US... much more! 14% of my gross salary! But, everyone covered under the public healthcare sector pays this amount, regardless of the number of hours they work or their gross income. It's not a perfect system, but it works. Nearly EVERYONE in the country has healthcare insurance. Regardless of my generally republican ideals, I would have to seriously consider voting FOR a universal healthcare system in the US.
Under the German system, I personally received exceptional care, including a fully covered amniocentesis by a top-ranked specialist. My total out-of-pocket expenses were less than 300 euros (less than 500 US dollars)! My PAID maternity leave started 6 weeks prior to my due date and continued 8 weeks after delivery (regardess of due date). Following that time, I received 67% of my net pay for the following 10 months! Granted, the birthrate in Germany is extremely low and this law was passed to encourage women to have children (by lessening the financial burden). Not only that, my employer is legally required to retain my position for a period of up to 3 years should I decide to exercise my "stay at home" right for that entire period.
There are a few drawbacks to the German system...a very few. One that might bother many American mothers is that my OB/GYN had nothing at all to do with the delivery of my child. Unless complications arise, a midwife or two delivers the baby. Immediately following birth, a physician examines the child and conducts all post-birth care of the mother. No, I had never met the guy (physician) before, but it didn't matter. I had a healthy child and he took exceptional care of me, even on Christmas night.
So, I am quite happy with my socialized medicine. I certainly can't complain.
Having lived here for the past 5 years (almost) under a "socialized medicine" system, I can attest to the benefits. Yes, it costs more than the US... much more! 14% of my gross salary! But, everyone covered under the public healthcare sector pays this amount, regardless of the number of hours they work or their gross income. It's not a perfect system, but it works. Nearly EVERYONE in the country has healthcare insurance. Regardless of my generally republican ideals, I would have to seriously consider voting FOR a universal healthcare system in the US.
Under the German system, I personally received exceptional care, including a fully covered amniocentesis by a top-ranked specialist. My total out-of-pocket expenses were less than 300 euros (less than 500 US dollars)! My PAID maternity leave started 6 weeks prior to my due date and continued 8 weeks after delivery (regardess of due date). Following that time, I received 67% of my net pay for the following 10 months! Granted, the birthrate in Germany is extremely low and this law was passed to encourage women to have children (by lessening the financial burden). Not only that, my employer is legally required to retain my position for a period of up to 3 years should I decide to exercise my "stay at home" right for that entire period.
There are a few drawbacks to the German system...a very few. One that might bother many American mothers is that my OB/GYN had nothing at all to do with the delivery of my child. Unless complications arise, a midwife or two delivers the baby. Immediately following birth, a physician examines the child and conducts all post-birth care of the mother. No, I had never met the guy (physician) before, but it didn't matter. I had a healthy child and he took exceptional care of me, even on Christmas night.
So, I am quite happy with my socialized medicine. I certainly can't complain.
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