Amid ongoing debates about abortion and challenges in accessing healthcare, women in the United States are facing a concerning increase in the risk of maternal mortality. According to a report by the Commonwealth Fund, the US has the highest maternal mortality rate among high-income countries, with 22 deaths per 100,000 live births. This data is based on information from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
Various studies suggest that the high maternal mortality rate in the US can be attributed to specific deficiencies in the healthcare system, particularly impacting women from minority groups. The crisis of maternal mortality in the US is a complex issue that raises questions about the future and the potential impact of abortion bans.
Maternal mortality refers to the death of a woman during pregnancy, childbirth, or within the postpartum period following delivery or abortion due to complications. The US reported a total of 817 maternal deaths in 2022, with a ratio of 22 deaths per 100,000 live births. However, this rate varies significantly based on ethnicity, with Black women being more than twice as likely to experience a pregnancy-related death compared to the national average.
The leading causes of maternal deaths in the US have shifted over the years, with cardiovascular conditions becoming more prevalent. Mental health issues and heart conditions, in addition to excessive bleeding, have been identified as significant contributors to maternal mortality. High-risk pregnancies, including those resulting from assisted reproductive technologies like in vitro fertilization, are also on the rise.
Black women, in particular, face significant disparities in maternal mortality rates due to historical healthcare injustices, inadequate access to medical care, and implicit bias within the healthcare system. Racism, poverty, and domestic abuse also contribute to the health challenges faced by Black pregnant women in the US.
The method used to record pregnancy-related deaths in the US has been a subject of debate, with concerns raised about inaccuracies and overestimations. Experts advocate for better prenatal care, including comprehensive medical assessments, regular checkups, and home visits, to improve outcomes for mothers in the US. Additionally, there is a call for increased investment in federal infrastructure to enhance the accuracy and reliability of maternal death reporting.