Addressing Maternal Mortality in the U.S.: A Call To Action

The journey to motherhood should be a time of joy and anticipation, but for many women in the U.S., especially Black women, it is fraught with alarming risks. In 2022, our country saw 22.3 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, a stark contrast to countries like Chile (14.3) and New Zealand (13.6), where the numbers are significantly lower. In other high-income nations, the rate is under 10 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births.

The disparity is most severe for Black women in the U.S., who experience 49.5 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, compared to 19 for white women, 16.9 for Hispanic women, and 13.2 for Asian women. These numbers are not just statistics—they represent mothers, daughters, and sisters whose lives are cut tragically short.

Research from the Commonwealth Fund highlights a critical issue: two-thirds of pregnancy-related deaths in the U.S. occur in the postpartum period. During this vulnerable time, American women often lack essential support systems like home visits and paid leave. Our country also falls short in the number of maternity care providers, with only 16 ob/gyns and midwives per 1,000 live births, compared to Chile's 92.

Moreover, the U.S. stands alone among high-income nations without a federal paid leave policy. Countries like Switzerland offer 14 weeks of paid leave, and Norway provides up to 86 weeks. The absence of such policies in the U.S. leaves many women, particularly those with lower incomes and Black women, unprotected and unsupported during and after pregnancy.

This crisis is further exacerbated by a shortage of maternity providers, especially midwives, and a lack of comprehensive postpartum support. Collaborative care models involving midwives could help alleviate the burden on ob/gyns, allowing them to focus on high-risk patients requiring specialized care.

Addressing these disparities requires more than just changes to the health system—it requires a commitment to combatting systemic racism and ensuring every woman receives the care she needs. We must implement federal policies that provide robust support for maternal health, ensuring no woman is left behind during this critical time.

It's time to take action and reverse this troubling trend. By learning from other high-income nations and prioritizing maternal health, we can save lives and support the well-being of all women in the U.S.