ARLINGTON, Va.,
May 2,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A new report from the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) finds the number
of US women dying from pregnancy-related issues remains at crisis
level. In 2022, 817 deaths were reported, reflecting a significant
decline in the maternal mortality rate compared to 2021 when over
1,200 maternal deaths were reported. The rate is similar to that
experienced in 2019, prior to the start of the Covid-19 pandemic
(22.3 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2022 vs. 20.1 deaths per
live birth in 2019) and decreased from 2021 when the rate was 32.9
deaths per 100,000 live births. Despite an overall decline in the
maternal mortality rate, Black women continue to experience greater
risk of death during pregnancy or within 42 days of pregnancy and
have a maternal mortality rate nearly three times higher than White
women. These racial and ethnic disparities that persist in maternal
health reflect how systems and policies continue to fail people of
color, especially our most vulnerable populations.
In response, March of Dimes President and CEO Dr. Elizabeth Cherot issued the following
statement:
"We already know that the health of moms and babies is not
prioritized in the US and this latest report is a sobering reminder
that our country's maternal and infant health crisis is far from
over, especially for women of color. The rate of maternal deaths
among Black women remains far too high. The fact is, we have not
improved as a nation and the same healthcare systems that have
historically failed women of color continue to do so today putting
too many moms at risk for dying.
Many factors contribute to the troubling maternal death rate,
but more data is needed to point to all the root causes for this
decrease. We do know that during the Omicron variant in 2022,
COVID-19 infections impacted pregnant people less
severely than in 2020 and 2021, which may have helped
alleviate stress on hospital systems. We also know that by
2022 more moms were vaccinated against COVID-19, which led to
greater immunity against the virus.
While the report shows that the maternal death rate has returned
to pre-pandemic levels, there are still too many moms dying. It
doesn't have to be this way. It's a fact that 80% of
pregnancy-related deaths in our country are preventable. That's why
March of Dimes is working to improve health outcomes for all moms
and babies. One key driver of maternal mortality and morbidity is
preeclampsia, a hypertensive condition that can be deadly and
affects 1 in 25 pregnancies in the US with potential impacts to
both pregnant people and babies during pregnancy, labor, and
delivery and even across both of their lifespans. Our recently
launched Low Dose, Big Benefits campaign is aimed at decreasing the
adverse effects of preeclampsia and preterm birth through the use
of low dose aspirin, which may reduce a moms' risk of preeclampsia
by 15% and preterm birth by 20%.
The maternal and infant crisis is complex, and solutions need to
be driven by real action. The fact remains that the US is the among
the most dangerous developed nations for childbirth. March of Dimes
is there for families throughout their pregnancies with education,
awareness, and advocacy to help all moms and babies get the best
possible start. Our platform provides education to families and
providers throughout the year on maternal health topics, including
low dose aspirin, doulas, vaccines, maternal mental health, and the
postpartum journey to improve maternal and infant health outcomes
for all moms and babies. I encourage you to visit to access
education resources and learn more about the It Starts With Mom
Platform and Low Dose, Big Benefits."
ABOUT MARCH OF DIMES
March of Dimes leads the fight
for the health of all moms and babies. We support research, lead
programs, and provide education and advocacy so that every family
can have the best possible start. Since 1938, we've built a
successful legacy to support every pregnant person and every
family. Visit marchofdimes.org or nacersano.org for more
information. Find us on Facebook and follow us with #marchofdimes
and @marchofdimes.
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SOURCE March of Dimes Inc.