Rates of mortality and morbidity from pregnancy-related complications in the United States have increased steadily over the past three decades, resulting in a rate almost double that of other economically developed nations. Deaths and “near-miss” incidents reflect failed opportunities within healthcare and public health systems to address problems such as access to care, overlooked diagnoses, and other warning signs leading to complications or death.
Significant disparities exist by race and ethnicity. Black and American Indian/Alaskan Native women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than White women. In Black women, traditional protective factors such as education and income are shown to make little difference in risk of death related to pregnancy and birth.
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Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Policy Statement
The best way to prevent maternal mortality and morbidity is by addressing the social, economic, and healthcare issues and barriers that impact women’s health at multiple levels and identifying upstream causes of negative outcomes, rooted in the social determinants of health.
View the Policy Statement
Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System
Data collected by the PRAMS program helps researchers investigate emerging issues and identify ways to reduce health problems for birthing people and their babies.
Explore the ProjectLatest Maternal Mortality Resources
Polysubstance Use During Pregnancy and the Benefits of Universal Verbal Screening
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Improving Access to Risk-Appropriate Care Through a Partnership Between Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pediatrics
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Prescription Opioid Use During Pregnancy in 34 Jurisdictions
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