In other words, the question is whether women are dying "from the pregnancy" or dying "of underlying conditions" who might have died with with or without a pregnancy.
One of our local high-risk pregnancy specialists (Dr. Brenda Crowder) pointed out to me that women with "underlying conditions" might very well have a higher survival rate because of the pregnancy, in the sense that a pregnant woman is highly motivated to have frequent monitoring, to cease harmful habits (e.g. smmoking), to eat better, and generally take care of herself.
Dr. Crowder also points out that the well-being factors for pregnant moms and babies don't naturally compete; they naturally coincide. Anything that hurts one, will hurt both; anything that benefits one, will benefit both; "You can't embrace an unborn child without embracing the woman whose body already embraces him."
Great post, Mrs. D. I thank you for your thoughts. Just wondering if there could be a legal challenge (such as filing a complaint) regarding this statement through the Ohio Health Department. It does not seem right that this clinic should be allowed to use such scare tactics to generate business. Any comments would be appreciated.