The Limits of Trust

This book examines why Mexico failed to meet its maternal health targets despite reforms. The Limits of Trust provides critical insights into systemic issues affecting women's health.

In The Limits of Trust, Lisa Nicole Mills delves into the challenges faced by Mexico in achieving the maternal health Millennium Development Goal (MDG). Despite various health care reforms and the efforts of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the country struggled to meet its target of reducing maternal mortality rates by 75% from 1990 to 2015. This investigation focuses particularly on the states of Guerrero, Chiapas, and Oaxaca, where maternal mortality rates are alarmingly high. Mills examines the implementation of MDG 5, revealing the complexities and obstacles encountered in these regions.

Through insightful interviews with NGOs, government officials, and health care workers, The Limits of Trust uncovers the systemic failures that have hindered progress. The book argues that attempts to build trust in the health care system have often fallen short, primarily due to inadequate protection of women's rights and insufficient improvements in health care quality. In fact, a woman's risk of dying from pregnancy-related complications in Mexico is five times greater than in developed nations.

Mills highlights the realities of maternal health initiatives in rural and impoverished areas, providing a nuanced understanding of why Mexico did not meet its MDG targets. She also discusses potential steps that can be taken to combat maternal mortality effectively. This compelling work not only sheds light on the past failures but also offers insights for future improvements in maternal health care.