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U.S. Maternal Mortality Rates Show Improvement but Racial Disparities Persist

Recent CDC data indicates a decline in maternal mortality rates from pandemic highs, yet significant racial disparities continue to challenge the healthcare system.

Image
Emergency room hospital
Silhouette of the pregnant woman black and white
Close up of mixed race woman's pregnant stomach

Overview

  • Maternal mortality rates in the U.S. have declined from the peak during the COVID-19 pandemic, with 817 deaths in 2022 down from 1,205 in 2021.
  • Despite the overall improvement, the mortality rate for Black women remains disproportionately high at 49.5 deaths per 100,000 live births, compared to 19 for white women.
  • Experts attribute the spike in 2021 largely to COVID-19 disruptions and emphasize the need for ongoing data to confirm trends.
  • Critics raise concerns about the accuracy of CDC's data collection methods, while others defend the improvements and validity of the data.
  • Efforts to address the disparities and improve maternal health outcomes continue, including policy changes and increased postpartum Medicaid coverage.