A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) finds the number of US women dying from pregnancy-related issues remains at crisis level. 817 deaths were reported in 2022, reflecting a significant decline in the maternal mortality rate compared to 2021 when over 1200 maternal deaths were reported. The rate is similar to that experienced in 2019, prior to the start of the Covid-19 pandemic (22.3 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2022 vs. 20.1 deaths per live birth in 2019) and decreased from 2021 when the rate was 32.9 deaths per 100,000 live births. Despite an overall decline in the maternal mortality rate, Black women continue to experience greater risk of death during pregnancy or within 42 days of pregnancy and have a maternal mortality rate nearly 3 times higher than White women. These racial and ethnic disparities that persist in maternal health reflects how systems and policies continue to fail people of color, especially our most vulnerable populations.
In response, March of Dimes President and CEO Dr. Elizabeth Cherot issued the following statement:
“We already know that the health of moms and babies is not prioritized in the US and this latest report is a sobering reminder that our country’s maternal and infant health crisis is far from over, especially for women of color. The rate of maternal deaths among Black women remains far too high, with Black women still nearly 3x more likely to die than White women. The fact is, we have not improved as a nation and the same healthcare systems that have historically failed women of color continue to do so today putting too many moms at risk for dying.
While many factors contribute to the troubling maternal death rate, more data is needed to point to all the root causes for this decrease. We do know that during the Omicron variant that we saw in 2022, COVID-19 infections impacted pregnant people less severely than in 2020 and 2021, which may have helped alleviate stress on hospital systems. We also know that by 2022 more moms were vaccinated against COVID-19 which led to greater immunity against the virus.
While the report shows that the maternal death rate has returned to pre-pandemic levels, there are still too many moms dying. It doesn’t have to be this way. We know that 80% of pregnancy-related deaths in this country are preventable which is why March of Dimes is working to improve health outcomes for all moms and babies. One key driver of maternal mortality and morbidity is preeclampsia which affects 1 in 25 pregnancies in the US with potential impacts to both pregnant people and babies during pregnancy, labor, and delivery and even across both of their lifespans. Our recently launched Low Dose, Big Benefits campaign is aimed at decreasing the adverse effects of preeclampsia, a sometimes fatal hypertensive condition, and preterm birth through the use of low dose aspirin, which may reduce a moms’ risk of preeclampsia by 15% and risk of preterm birth by 20%.
The maternal and infant crisis is complex and solutions need to be driven by real action. The fact remains that the US is the among the most dangerous developed nations to have a baby. March of Dimes is there for families before, during and after their pregnancy journey to bring education, awareness, and advocacy to help all moms and babies have the best possible start. Our platform provides education to families and providers throughout the year on maternal health topics including low dose aspirin, doulas, vaccines, maternal mental health, and the postpartum journey to improve maternal and infant health outcomes for all moms and babies. I encourage you to visit www.itstartswithmom.org to access education resources and learn more about the It Starts With Mom Platform and Low Dose Big Benefits.”
ABOUT MARCH OF DIMES
March of Dimes leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies. We support research, lead programs, and provide education and advocacy so that every family can have the best possible start. Since 1938, we’ve built a successful legacy to support every pregnant person and every family. Visit marchofdimes.org or nacersano.org for more information. Find us on Facebook and follow us with #marchofdimes and @marchofdimes.
Contact: Sarah Smith
Phone: 202-774-0554
Email: [email protected]