The United States has long had the worst maternal mortality rate of any wealthy nation — a rate that soared during the COVID-19 pandemic, peaking in 2021.
A new Commonwealth Fund report analyzes the latest national data on maternal mortality and offers a broad look at the causes and characteristics of preventable maternal deaths, including sharp differences linked to race and geography.
Among the key findings:
- Pregnancy-related mortality is 18 to 49 percent higher in states that haven’t expanded Medicaid eligibility, compared to those that have.
- Maternal death rates in rural areas are more than 50 percent higher than in large urban areas.
- The pandemic deepened racial disparities, with Black, Hispanic, and American Indian/Native women facing the highest risks.
While maternal mortality has nearly returned to pre-pandemic levels, the outlook remains troubling. Looming federal budget cuts could reverse recent gains and significantly increase preventable maternal and infant deaths. [Emphasis added]
The data in the report are truly eye-popping. Here's an example I wasn't expecting: A significant majority of maternal deaths occur in the year following birth -- i.e., after the obstetrician and various other health professionals have done their work.
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