Maternal suicide Now Leading cause of Death for Young Mothers in France, Report Reveals
Paris, France – Suicide is now the primary cause of maternal mortality in France, surpassing deaths related to childbirth itself, according to a recent report by Public Health france and the National College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (CNGOF). The alarming trend underscores critical gaps in perinatal mental healthcare and social support for new mothers.
The report, released following an inquiry by the French National Perinatal Mortality Committee (ECMM), highlights a surge in maternal suicides in recent years, with a particularly concerning rise among women within the first year postpartum. While specific national statistics remain closely guarded, the ECMM report emphasizes the preventable nature of these tragedies and calls for urgent systemic change. this crisis arrives despite recommendations from the High Authority for Health (HAS) as 2021 for early postnatal interviews – between the 4th and 8th week after childbirth - to identify postpartum depression and suicidal risks.
“Each maternal death is a drama. But when you know that a good part could be avoided, it becomes a collective obligation,” Public Health France concludes in its report.
The ECMM report identifies several key areas for betterment:
* Enhanced Training: Reinforced training for midwives, general practitioners, gynecologists, and pediatricians in recognizing and responding to perinatal mental health issues.Too often, alert signals go unnoticed.
* Prolonged Follow-Up: Extended follow-up care for vulnerable women, extending well beyond the mandatory six-week postnatal consultation, with systematized appointments at 3, 6, and 9 months.
* Increased Social Support: Greater social support for isolated mothers or those in precarious situations, including home visits, PMI support, and easier access to specialized psychologists and psychiatrists.
Currently, while some local initiatives are addressing these needs, they remain fragmented. The ECMM report advocates for a extensive national strategy integrating mental health, perinatality, and social support to prevent maternal suicides and break the taboo surrounding postpartum mental health challenges.