Racial Disparities in Maternal Mortality
Researchers analyzed vital registration and census data from 1999 to 2019, focusing on pregnant or recently pregnant people aged 10-54 years old. They found that overall maternal deaths increased from 505 in 1999 to approximately 1,210 in 2019. More specifically, maternal mortality ratios rose significantly across all racial and ethnic groups during this period:
– American Indian or Alaska Native population: median state maternal mortality ratio rose from 14 to 49.2
– Black population: ratio increased from 26.7 to 55.4
– Asian, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islanders: ratio went up from 9.6 to 20.9
– Hispanic patients: ratio climbed from 9.6 to 19.1
– White patients: ratio grew from 9.4 to 26.3
These disparities persist even when comparing geographic regions, with lower maternal mortality ratios observed in states like Oregon, Hawaii, Colorado, Illinois, Wisconsin, Delaware, Vermont, and Rhode Island for all racial and ethnic groups. However, American Indian and Alaska Native women in Western states generally had higher ratios than in other regions, and Black women experienced high maternal mortality ratios in Southern states as well as in states in other regions, including New York, New Jersey, Arizona, and Montana.
Addressing Racial Inequities in Maternal Care
The alarming rise in U.S. maternal mortality rates underscores the need for better coordination of care postpartum, improved access to primary care, nonobstetrical care, and mental health care postpartum. Healthcare providers should be aware of these racial disparities and advocate for funding and interventions to address this crisis. Research suggests that only 60% of at-risk women receive advice about heart health at their postpartum checkup, highlighting the importance of addressing untreated or undertreated risk factors like hypertension or high blood sugar in pregnant or postpartum women. Ensuring access to quality care during pregnancy, delivery, and the months following delivery is crucial for reducing maternal death rates.