Maternal Autopsy Program (MAP) - Information for Healthcare Professionals
Partnering for Improved Maternal Health Outcomes
The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) and The Maternal Mortality Review Committee (MMRC) recognize that the success of the Maternal Autopsy Program (MAP) relies heavily on the collaboration of healthcare facilities and first responders within our communities. Your crucial role in facilitating these autopsies is deeply appreciated. This guide is designed to assist you through the process of obtaining an autopsy for a maternal death, contributing to vital public health insights.
Why is the Maternal Autopsy Program Important?
The MAP is a critical initiative aimed at understanding and preventing maternal deaths in Alabama. Autopsies provide invaluable detailed information that significantly aids the MMRC in their review process.
Key Benefits:
- Detailed Information: Autopsies provide comprehensive data on the immediate and underlying causes of maternal deaths, even when initial causes seem clear.
- Uncovering Unknowns: They can reveal medical problems or conditions that were not apparent during the woman's life, which are crucial for preventing future fatalities.
- Informing the MMRC: The information gathered directly supports the MMRC's mission to improve future birth outcomes across the state.
- Family Closure: While focused on public health, the program also helps provide loved ones with closure regarding the cause of death.
- Public Health Impact: Insights from these autopsies contribute to broader medical knowledge, leading to improved healthcare practices and the potential discovery of new diseases.
Eligibility Requirements for Maternal Autopsy
To be eligible for the Maternal Autopsy Program, a case must meet the following criteria:
- Pregnancy at the time of death
- Death within one year of delivery
- Death within one year of miscarriage or abortion
- Alabama resident
- Does not meet criteria for autopsy to be performed by State Forensics (i.e., not a forensic case)
Cost of Maternal Autopsy
There is NO cost for the maternal autopsy and associated transport. All autopsy costs are covered by public funds allocated to the Maternal Mortality Review Committee.
Process for Obtaining a Maternal Autopsy
The process for initiating a maternal autopsy differs slightly depending on whether the death occurs within or outside a healthcare facility.
When a Maternal Death Occurs Inside a Hospital or Healthcare Facility
- Hospital staff will contact ADPH to obtain approval for the autopsy. Call 334-832-0216.
- ADPH will contact the facility where the autopsy will be performed.
- A Pathologist will contact the next of kin to obtain informed consent for the autopsy.
- ADPH staff will coordinate with hospital staff to arrange transport of the deceased.
- Hospital staff will call the transport company provider to arrange pickup of the deceased.
- The transport company provider will transport the deceased to the designated facility for the autopsy.
When a Maternal Death Occurs Outside a Hospital or Healthcare Facility
- A First Responder or Coroner will contact ADPH to obtain approval for the autopsy. Call 334-832-0216. At this time, the location and time of pickup will be discussed.
- ADPH will contact the facility where the autopsy will be performed.
- A Pathologist will contact the next of kin to obtain informed consent for the autopsy.
- ADPH will coordinate with the pickup location to arrange transport of the deceased.
- The pickup location will communicate with the transport company provider to arrange pickup of the deceased.
- The transport company provider will pick up the deceased and transport to the designated facility for the autopsy.
Contact Information
For any questions regarding the Maternal Autopsy Program or the process, please do not hesitate to contact:
Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) Phone: 334-832-0216
This information is provided by the Alabama Coroner's Association in partnership with the Alabama Department of Public Health to support healthcare professionals in contributing to improved maternal health outcomes.