Atlanta, Georgia – A recent report from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveals a significant decrease in maternal deaths in 2022 compared to the previous year. The maternal mortality rate fell from 32.9 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2021 to 22.3 per 100,000 in 2022. Despite this improvement, Black women still face higher rates of maternal deaths than other women.
According to Dr. Donna Hoyert, a statistician at the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics, the decrease in maternal mortality rates was observed across the board in 2022. The report indicated that 817 women died of maternal causes in 2022, a decline from the previous years.
The decrease in maternal deaths is attributed to factors such as declines in Covid-19 infections. Dr. Angela Bianco, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist, noted that the impact of the pandemic on maternal and perinatal mortality has been significant, although the direct correlation remains unclear. Social determinants of health, access to care, and decisions regarding vaccination may have played a role in the outcomes.
Despite the progress, racial disparities in maternal mortality persist. Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. Access to quality maternal health care is identified as a key factor contributing to this disparity. The rates of maternal deaths also increase significantly with age, highlighting the need for continued support and interventions in maternal healthcare systems.
Efforts are being made to address the maternal mortality crisis in the United States, including funding initiatives to support community-based organizations focused on improving maternal and infant health. Individual steps, such as optimizing health before pregnancy and seeking necessary care and support, are crucial in reducing risks of maternal complications.
As the country continues to make strides in maternal healthcare, addressing racial disparities and ensuring access to quality care for all women remain essential goals in reducing maternal mortality rates. The new data provides valuable insights for policymakers, healthcare providers, and communities to work towards improving maternal health outcomes across the nation.