Maternal mortality rates in impoverished areas of Missouri have historically rivaled that of third-world countries.  The state’s now directing money to do something about it. Governor Mike Parson’s office announced yesterday that the Department of Health and Senior Services, DHSS, will release an unspecified amount of new funding to help improve the health of pregnant women and their care after childbirth. That’s in addition to $4.3 million the governor previously asked the general assembly to allocate.