Maternal Deaths PLUMMET – But Black Women Still at Risk

Doctor measuring blood pressure of a pregnant woman — MATERNAL DEATHS PLUMMET

Maternal deaths in the U.S. dropped sharply in 2023, marking the lowest rate in years and signaling meaningful progress in protecting mothers, but Black women continue to face a significantly higher risk during pregnancy and childbirth — a disparity that remains deeply entrenched despite national gains.

Story Highlights

U.S. maternal mortality rate dropped to 18.6 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2023, the lowest since 2018, saving 148 lives from the 2022 peak.
Decline tied to extended Medicaid postpartum coverage and eased COVID-19 healthcare pressures under post-Biden reforms.
Black women’s rate rose slightly to 50.3, over three times that of white women’s 14.5, exposing persistent disparities despite overall progress.
Women 40+ saw the largest drop from 87.1 to 59.8, affirming the value of targeted interventions for higher-risk mothers.
Congress failed to fund maternal mortality reviews in 2024, risking future gains in preventable death prevention.

CDC Data Reveals Sharp Decline in Maternal Deaths

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in February 2025 that the U.S. maternal mortality rate fell to 18.6 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2023, down from 22.3 in 2022.

Absolute deaths decreased from 817 to 669, a reduction of 148. This marks the lowest level since 2018, reversing a decade-long upward trend that doubled rates since 1987.

Common causes included postpartum hemorrhage, blood clots, and infections. Over 80% of such deaths remain preventable through better systemic care.

Maternal mortality rates in the United States have dropped to their lowest levels since 2018, according to new data. https://t.co/dv3ia6coNs

— ABC News (@ABC) March 4, 2026

Post-Biden Policy Shifts Drive Improvements

Extended Medicaid postpartum coverage to 12 months in most states, implemented in 2023, ensured continuity of care and emergency access. Reduced COVID-19 strain on hospitals allowed focus on maternal health.

The Dobbs decision in 2022, overturning Roe v. Wade, sparked fears of worse outcomes, but 2023 data showed overall gains.

President Trump’s Preventing Maternal Deaths Act provided a bipartisan foundation, though 2024 funding gaps for state review committees hindered deeper analysis. These steps prioritize family stability over government overreach.

Racial Disparities Persist Amid Progress

White women’s rate dropped from 19.0 to 14.5, Hispanic from 16.9 to 12.4, and Asian from 13.2 to 10.7 per 100,000 live births. Black women’s rate edged up from 49.5 to 50.3, highlighting unequal benefits from interventions.

Rural areas face obstetric service closures and worsening access. American Hospital Association initiatives like Safer Births target hemorrhage, the leading cause of death. Experts note CDC data limitations from death certificates, underestimating Native American risks.

Provisional 2026 data show rates at 17.1-17.7 for early 2025 periods, suggesting a sustained decline if funding resumes. Age trends confirm women 40+ at highest risk but with sharpest improvements, supporting conservative focus on practical, family-centered healthcare over woke equity mandates.

Funding Gaps Threaten Long-Term Gains

Congress omitted funding for maternal mortality reviews in 2024’s resolution, despite Trump-era legislation directing CDC resources. State committees offer detailed insights beyond national statistics, which are essential for addressing preventability.

Without them, systemic issues like provider bias and access barriers persist. Economic costs of deaths include lost productivity; prevention bolsters families and the workforce. Trump’s administration emphasizes limited government solutions that work, avoiding endless spending on flawed programs.

Black communities bear a disproportionate burden, eroding trust in healthcare. Targeted hospital protocols and Medicaid extensions show merit-based reforms succeed, aligning with American values of self-reliance and family protection. Continued monitoring under President Trump promises further victories against past mismanagement.