New Report Uncovers Sky-High Maternal Death Rates in 2020

According to a new report covered by multiple news outlets, the National Center for Health Statistics shows alarming data relating to maternal deaths. The report finds that pregnancy-related deaths in 2020 among black women numbered 55 per 100,000 births, which is almost three times as many deaths as among white mothers. Maternal deaths among Hispanic women also increased, from 13 to 18 per 100,000 births in 2019 and 2020, respectively.

Approximately 24 maternal deaths occurred per 100,000 births in 2020 (861 total)—up from 20 in 2019, according to the government report. The maternal mortality rate in the U.S. has more than tripled in the last 35 years, according to the Associated Press and the data from the CDC.

Pregnancy-related deaths - including mothers dying during pregnancy, delivery, or up to one year after birth—have long been a concern for mothers in the U.S. In 2018, maternal mortality rates in America were among the worst compared to the rest of the developed world.

The government report does not indicate the reasons behind the disparities, though the COVID-19 pandemic may play a role. Overcrowded hospitals, lack of medical care, and fear of getting sick may have led to the trend.  Pandemic-related reasons aside, preexisting health conditions, lack of access to health care and public agencies, and racism likely contributed to the disparities as well.

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