Washington, D.C. — In a notable turn of events, the latest report from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed a significant decrease in maternal mortality rates in 2022. This positive development follows a worrisome trend of increasing women dying during pregnancy, childbirth, or postpartum in the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, disparities persist, with Black women continuing to experience higher rates of maternal deaths compared to other demographic groups.
According to the report published by the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics, the US maternal mortality rate dropped from 32.9 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in 2021 to 22.3 per 100,000 in 2022. Dr. Donna Hoyert, a statistician at NCHS and author of the report, noted that the decrease in maternal mortality rates was observed across the board.
While the exact reasons for the decline in maternal deaths from 2021 to 2022 were not specified in the report, Dr. Angela Bianco, a maternal-fetal medicine director, emphasized the complex interplay of factors that may have influenced the outcomes. The impact of Covid-19 on maternal and perinatal mortality rates remains a subject of investigation, with potential implications related to healthcare access, vaccination decisions, and broader societal challenges exacerbated by the pandemic.
The report highlighted a total of 817 maternal deaths in 2022, a notable decrease from previous years. Dr. Yolanda Lawson expressed optimism about the positive trajectory in the US maternal mortality rate, emphasizing the importance of maintaining momentum through policy measures and support for maternal health initiatives.
Despite the overall decline in maternal mortality rates, the report underscored ongoing disparities in healthcare access and outcomes for Black women. The maternal death rate for Black women in 2022 stood at 49.5 deaths per 100,000 live births, significantly higher than rates for White, Hispanic, and Asian women. Addressing these disparities requires a multifaceted approach that tackles structural inequalities, healthcare deserts, and systemic barriers to quality care.
Looking ahead, efforts to improve maternal health outcomes must prioritize addressing racial disparities, enhancing access to care, and implementing policies that support women’s health across all demographics. The recent allocation of $105 million in funding to community-based organizations supporting maternal and infant health initiatives signals a step in the right direction, but sustained action and collaboration are essential to drive lasting change in maternal health outcomes in the United States.