Commentary

What can be safer than having a baby in the USA?

Many things, regrettably—even in our 21st century health care system. I have an idea for a strategy to change the situation.

Dr. Weinstein is Paul A. and Eloise B. Bowers Professor and Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, Pa.

Dr. Weinstein reports no financial relationships relevant to this article.

Arecent report¹ by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration revealed that deaths from automobile accidents have declined strikingly since 1954, reaching the lowest level ever recorded today: 1.16 fatalities for every 100 million vehicle-miles traveled. Why this improvement? Reasons include an increase in seat belt use and a lower rate of drunk driving, both secondary effects of better law enforcement, safer roads, and people just driving less.