Alarming Rise in Syphilis Cases Among Pregnant Women in the U.S.
In a recent study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it was revealed that the number of syphilis cases among pregnant women in the United States has tripled in the past six years. This concerning increase has also coincided with a spike in cases of congenital syphilis, where the infection is passed from mother to infant during pregnancy. The effects of congenital syphilis can be severe and even life-threatening for the newborns.
According to the CDC report, over 10,000 women who gave birth in 2022 had syphilis, compared to just 3,400 cases in 2016. Additionally, a separate CDC report from January showed a ten-fold increase in cases of congenital syphilis over the past decade, resulting in 282 stillbirths and infant deaths in 2022 alone. Shockingly, the CDC estimates that 90 percent of these cases could have been prevented.
The rise in syphilis among pregnant women is particularly concerning because syphilis is a completely treatable infection with antibiotics. In fact, as recently as 2000, syphilis was on the verge of being eliminated in the United States. However, it has now become part of the country’s sexually transmitted disease epidemic.
The CDC study also highlighted the states with the highest rates of maternal syphilis. South Dakota topped the list with a more than 400 percent increase in case rates since 2016, followed by Mississippi and Louisiana.
So, what is behind this alarming rise in syphilis cases among pregnant women, and why has it been so difficult to contain? One contributing factor is the lack of access to testing for vulnerable populations. Free test clinics, including some Planned Parenthood clinics, were defunded by policies implemented during the Trump administration. This has made it harder for pregnant women, especially those from low-income backgrounds, to get screened for syphilis.
To gain further insight into this issue, Salon spoke with Dr. Elizabeth Cherot, president and CEO of March of Dimes, and a practicing OB-GYN. Dr. Cherot emphasized the importance of early screening and treatment for syphilis in pregnant women. She explained that syphilis has different stages, and if left untreated, it can lead to severe complications such as miscarriage, preterm birth, stillbirth, and even death for the newborn.
Testing for syphilis is a two-step process. If a pregnant woman tests positive in the initial screening, further confirmation is required. However, this can pose challenges for vulnerable populations who may face barriers such as lack of insurance or limited healthcare access. Dr. Cherot also highlighted systemic barriers and systemic racism as factors contributing to the rise in syphilis cases among pregnant women.
The data also reveals disparities among different racial and ethnic groups. While syphilis rates have increased for all races and ethnicities, American Indians and Alaska Natives have experienced the largest increase. This highlights the issue of accessibility and race when it comes to testing and treatment. Many of these vulnerable women lack access to prenatal care and live in maternity care deserts, where healthcare facilities are scarce.
The rise in syphilis cases among pregnant women is closely tied to the issue of maternity care deserts in the United States. Hospitals are closing down units due to low patient volume, nursing shortages, and provider shortages. This results in limited access to high-quality prenatal care for pregnant women. The infrastructure of the birthing system in the country needs significant improvement to address these challenges.
It is crucial for pregnant women to receive timely and comprehensive prenatal care, including regular screenings for syphilis. Even if a woman tests negative in the first trimester, it is recommended to get screened again in the second trimester or early in the third trimester. Early detection and treatment are key to preventing the complications associated with syphilis.
In conclusion, the alarming rise in syphilis cases among pregnant women in the United States is a cause for concern. It highlights the importance of accessible and affordable prenatal care, as well as the need to address systemic barriers and healthcare disparities. By prioritizing the health and well-being of pregnant women, we can work towards reducing the incidence of syphilis and improving maternal and infant outcomes.
