“U.S. Government Report Calls Maternal Mortality an Urgent Public Health Priority Amidst Funding Cuts”

A new study published in JAMA Network Open has revealed alarming statistics regarding maternal mortality rates in the United States. The study, authored by researchers at the National Institutes of Health, analyzed data from a CDC database and found that maternal mortality has increased from 25.3 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2018 to 32.6 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2022, representing a significant 27% age-adjusted increase.

The study also highlighted the leading causes of late maternal deaths, which include cardiovascular disease, cancer, and mental disorders. This expanded window of analysis, up to a year postpartum, provided valuable insights into long-term maternal health trends.

Furthermore, the study shed light on the persistent racial and ethnic disparities in maternal mortality rates. Rates of maternal mortality were found to be 3.8 times higher in American Indian and Alaska Native women compared to white women, and 2.8 times higher in Black women. These findings underscore the urgent need to address inequities in maternal health outcomes.

Experts in the field have expressed concern over the timing of the study’s release, given recent job and funding cuts at federal health agencies responsible for maternal and child health initiatives. Despite some progress in mitigating racial disparities in certain healthcare settings, funding cuts to essential programs aimed at reducing maternal mortality have raised uncertainty about future efforts to address this critical public health issue.

The study’s findings serve as a stark reminder of the importance of prioritizing maternal health and investing in initiatives to improve outcomes for pregnant and postpartum individuals. As the United States grapples with rising maternal mortality rates and persistent inequities, collaboration and support for evidence-based interventions are crucial to reversing these concerning trends.