US Maternal Mortality Doubles, Highest Among Black Women: Study

Tue Jul 04 2023
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WASHINGTON: A recent study published in the medical journal JAMA revealed that the number of women in the United States who died within a year after pregnancy has more than doubled between 1999 and 2019, with the highest mortality rates observed among Black women.

The study estimated that there were approximately 1,210 maternal deaths in 2019, compared to 505 in 1999. The research also indicated significant increases in maternal mortality rates among American Indian and Alaska Native women over time.

The maternal mortality rates in the United States have seen a significant increase, with the number of deaths per 100,000 live births rising from 12.7 to 32.2 overall. When examining specific racial and ethnic groups, the rates have also shown alarming rises, from 14.0 to 49.2 among American Indians and Alaska Natives, 26.7 to 55.4 among Blacks, 9.6 to 20.9 among Asians, Native Hawaiians and Other Pacific Islanders, 9.6 to 19.1 among Hispanics, and 9.4 to 26.3 among whites.

What sets this study apart from previous ones is its focus on analyzing data at the state level rather than looking at national trends. Surprisingly, the researchers discovered that Black women had the highest maternal mortality rates in certain Northeast states, challenging the commonly held belief that Southern states have the worst rates.

Dr. Allison Bryant, the study’s leader from Mass General Brigham in Boston, emphasized the importance of considering disparities between populations within individual states. She noted that while states like California and Massachusetts are often praised for having lower maternal mortality rates, disparities still exist.

Southern States of US with High Maternal Mortality Rates

Southern states showed high maternal mortality rates across all racial and ethnic groups, particularly affecting Black individuals. Meanwhile, Midwest and Great Plains states exhibited the highest rates among American Indian and Alaskan Native women.

The study identified mental health conditions, excessive bleeding, cardiac and coronary conditions, infections, blood clots, and pregnancy-related high blood pressure as the most common causes of death within one year after pregnancy, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Dr. Bryant expressed concern that the risk of maternal mortality may continue to increase across all populations in subsequent years, including a higher uptick among certain groups. She stressed the need for ongoing analysis and efforts to address the disparities in maternal health outcomes.

 

 

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