Maternal Health

Championing Safer Motherhood in America

The health of mothers is a cornerstone of a strong society. However, the United States faces a growing crisis in maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity (SMM). Through increased awareness, policy advocacy, and community support, we aim to shed light on this critical issue and drive positive change.

Defining the Issue:

  • Maternal Mortality: The death of a woman from pregnancy-related causes during pregnancy or within 42 days of ending a pregnancy.

  • Severe Maternal Morbidity (SMM): Significant, non-fatal complications from labor and delivery that impact a woman's health.

Maternal Mortality and SMM Trends:

The maternal health landscape in the United States is facing a concerning trend. The maternal mortality rate has risen dramatically, reaching 32.9 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2021, compared to 20.1 in 2019. This alarming increase highlights a growing public health crisis.

Further compounding this issue is the rise in severe maternal morbidity (SMM). The incidence of SMM has risen from 146.8 per 10,000 deliveries in 2008 to 179.8 per 10,000 in 2021, indicating a significant increase in serious health complications related to childbirth.

Disparities in Maternal Health:

The crisis in maternal mortality and SMM disproportionately impacts minorities. Racial disparities persist, with Black women facing a maternal mortality rate significantly higher than white women. Hispanic women are also affected, experiencing higher rates of maternal mortality compared to white women.

These disparities extend beyond mortality rates. Risk factors for severe maternal morbidity (SMM) also disproportionately impact women of color. Factors include age extremes (under 24 or over 35), minority racial status, cesarean deliveries, reliance on Medicaid, and existing health conditions. This highlights the complex interplay of social determinants that contribute to poorer outcomes for women of color.

Connecting Maternal and Infant Mortality

Infant Mortality Rates by Race and Hispanic Origin (2019-2021)

  • Overall Rates: The US infant mortality rate was 5.48 per 1,000 live births. Rates were highest among infants of Black women (10.52) and lowest among infants of Asian women (3.40).

  • Prenatal Care Timing: Infant mortality was highest among those whose mothers received late or no prenatal care (10.75 per 1,000 live births) and lowest among those whose mothers received care in the first trimester (4.54).

  • Source of Payment for Delivery: Infants of women covered by Medicaid had higher mortality rates (7.19) compared to those covered by private insurance (3.95).

  • WIC Receipt: Mortality rates were higher for infants of women who received WIC (5.85) than those who did not (5.13), except for infants of Black and Hispanic women, where WIC receipt correlated with lower mortality rates.

Why These Connections Matter

The health of mothers directly impacts the health of their infants. Addressing maternal health challenges, particularly among vulnerable and marginalized populations, can lead to significant improvements in infant health outcomes. Ensuring early and consistent prenatal care, improving healthcare access, and addressing socioeconomic disparities are crucial steps towards reducing both maternal and infant mortality rates.

How Do We Plan to Improve Maternal Health and Reduce Infant Mortality Outcomes in the US?

The intertwined issues of maternal and infant mortality underscore the urgent need for comprehensive healthcare strategies that address both mother and child. We advocate for targeted interventions that prioritize quality care, accessibility, and specific health policy reforms to reduce complications. Additionally, we recognize the significant impact of social determinants of health. Through advocacy and policy change, we aim to address broader issues that address both healthcare delivery and broader social determinants of health to create a future where every pregnancy and childbirth is safe and supported, ensuring healthier outcomes for mothers and their babies.

HELP MAKE A CHANGE

The rising maternal mortality and morbidity rates reflect deep systemic issues that require collective effort and robust interventions. Join us as we work to turn these trends around, ensuring that every woman has access to safe and equitable maternal care.