The American Photographic Artists recently announced the winners of 2019’s APA Awards Photo competition and one of my images won 2nd Place! The image, titled “A Life Begins” shows a mother and her seven-minute old daughter in a hospital operating theater moments after giving birth.

Here’s the total caption:

After a 73-hour labor and an eventual caesarian section, Joanie Johnson embraces her healthy 7-minute old daughter as doctors stitch the incision. Despite spending more money than any other country on hospital-based maternal care, the United States maternal mortality rate has increased to 26 deaths per 100,000 from 17 deaths per 100,000 in 1990. Its current ranking of 138 out of 184 nations is below Belarus, Kazakhstan and Libya.

It feels great to share a powerful image with a wide audience and raise awareness of the challenges of the American health care system. Stay tuned for more great news soon!


8 Responses to “2019 APA Award Winner – Documentary/Photojournalism”

  1. Krystal Mishler

    Micah this picture truly is beautiful.

    Reply
  2. Joel Mercado

    Congratulations Micah! Beautiful picture.

    Reply
  3. Fran

    Great picture. Congratulations Micah!

    Reply
  4. ARLENE RUSSELL

    Such a beautful picture,Michah ! The facts and the photo are so interesting. Obviously, the U.S. health system needs to greatly improve ” Why we have so much maternal motality?” Much more research, aid to poor mothers more education on pregnancy & birth and better gynocological care for all women would help immensely!

    Reply
    • micahbrubin

      Hi-

      Thank you! I totally agree with you! So many countries do things different (and consequentially better). It’s our job to open the conversation and foment change!

      Reply

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