Pregnancy-related deaths spiking in the U.S.
In this DML Report…
A National Institutes of Health study revealed a 27% increase in U.S. pregnancy-related deaths from 2018 to 2022, rising from 25.3 deaths per 100,000 live births to 32.6 deaths per 100,000 live births. The study, published April 9, in JAMA Network Open, analyzed CDC data covering 18.5 million live births among women aged 15-54. American Indian and Alaska Native women faced the highest mortality rate at 106.3 deaths per 100,000 live births, followed by Black women at 76.9 deaths per 100,000 live births, compared to 28.4 for white women.
The study highlighted significant state-level variations, with California recording the lowest maternal mortality rate at 11.2 deaths per 100,000 live births, while Arkansas had the highest at 52.9. Nearly one-third of deaths occurred between six weeks and one year postpartum, a period often overlooked for maternal care. Leading causes included cardiovascular conditions, hemorrhage, and mental health issues, with 84% of deaths deemed preventable by state review committees. The data showed a peak in 2021, likely tied to COVID-19 disruptions, followed by a slight decline in 2022.
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The study noted that if all states matched California’s rate, nearly 2,700 lives could have been saved over the five-year period. Limited access to postpartum care, chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes, and systemic inequities were identified as key contributors. Federal health agency funding cuts in early 2025 have raised concerns about ongoing efforts to address the crisis.