US Maternal Death Rate Slightly Increased Last Year, According to Health Officials

Recent provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate a concerning trend in maternal health in the United States, showing a slight uptick in maternal mortality last year. The data reveals that 688 women died either during pregnancy, childbirth, or within 42 days postpartum, marking an increase from 669 deaths in 2023. Nonetheless, these figures are still lower than the peak levels observed in 2021 and 2022, which represented the highest maternal mortality rates in over half a century.

The maternal mortality rate increased modestly from 18.6 to 19 deaths per 100,000 live births. Health experts note that causes of these deaths often include excessive bleeding, blood clots, and infections related to pregnancy.

The rise in maternal deaths follows a period during the COVID-19 pandemic when such fatalities surged dramatically due to the virus's severe impact on pregnant women. Experts suggest that as COVID-19 cases decline, maternal mortality rates have also decreased, but recent increases point to other ongoing issues.

Contributing factors to the recent rise include reduced access to healthcare, especially in rural areas where hospital closures have made care less accessible. Additionally, the Supreme Court decision to overturn federally protected abortion rights has caused some healthcare providers to feel constrained, potentially delaying or denying necessary obstetric care in emergency situations.

The United States continues to have one of the highest maternal mortality rates among wealthy nations. Racial disparities are prominently featured, with Black women experiencing significantly higher mortality rates compared to white women. Addressing these disparities and improving healthcare access remain critical for reducing maternal deaths.

For more information, visit CDC's provisional maternal death data.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-maternal-death-rose-slightly-year.html