Maternal Health

Maternal health encompasses the physical, mental, and social well-being of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Despite being one of the wealthiest nations in the world, the U.S. has the highest maternal mortality rate among comparable developed countries and is one of only seven nations to report a significant increase in pregnancy-related deaths since 2000, according to the World Health Organization. In 2024, 649 women died of maternal causes in the United States, reflecting a rate of 17.9 deaths per 100,000 live births. Racial disparities are severe and persistent — the maternal mortality rate for Black women was 44.8 per 100,000 live births in 2024, more than three times the rate for White women (14.2) and Hispanic women (12.1). Age is also a significant factor, with women aged 40 and older facing a maternal mortality rate five times higher than women under 25. Leading causes of maternal death include hemorrhage, cardiovascular conditions, infection, and mental health-related causes including substance use. Addressing the maternal health crisis requires expanding postpartum Medicaid coverage, growing the obstetric and midwifery workforce, and investing in community-based care models — particularly in states and regions with the highest mortality rates.