New data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals concerning trends in maternal mortality rates among Black women in the United States. In 2023, Black women died at a rate nearly 3.5 times higher than white women around the time of childbirth, highlighting persistent racial disparities in maternal health.
While the overall maternal death rate in the country fell below prepandemic levels, the gap between Black and white women widened. In 2021 and 2022, the maternal death rate for Black women was about 2.6 times higher than that of white women.
Experts attribute the widening racial gap to systemic racism and unequal access to medical care. Dr. Amanda Williams, interim medical director for the March of Dimes, emphasized that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing disparities and underscored the need for targeted interventions.
The CDC report for 2023 revealed that the maternal death rate for white women decreased from 19 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2022 to 14.5 per 100,000 in 2023. In contrast, the rate for Black women remained relatively unchanged, hovering slightly above 50 deaths per 100,000 live births.
Hispanic and Asian American women also experienced declines in maternal mortality rates, with rates dropping to about 12 and 11 deaths per 100,000 live births, respectively.
COVID-19 emerged as a significant factor contributing to maternal deaths, with complications from the virus posing risks to pregnant women. The pandemic's toll on maternal health was further exacerbated by overwhelmed healthcare systems and provider burnout.
Efforts to address maternal mortality include expanded Medicaid coverage for postpartum care, allowing mothers to receive support for up to 12 months after childbirth. This initiative aims to improve maternal health outcomes and reduce the risk of future pregnancy-related complications.
While the total number of maternal deaths decreased in 2023 compared to previous years, experts caution that ongoing monitoring and interventions are necessary to sustain progress and address persistent disparities in maternal health.
