Pregnancy-Related Deaths in the US: A Call for Prevention and Standardized Monitoring
Researchers from esteemed institutions including the National Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, and Boston Children’s Hospital have recently uncovered a concerning statistic: 2,679 pregnancy-related deaths in the United States between 2018 and 2022 could have been prevented. This revelation sheds light on a critical public health issue that continues to plague the nation.
The United States currently holds the highest maternal mortality rate among high-income countries, a fact that cannot be overlooked. What makes this situation more alarming is the realization that over 80% of these deaths are preventable, as reported by state-based Maternal Mortality Review Committees. The disparities in mortality rates are stark, with rural counties experiencing rates 1.7 times higher than large metropolitan counties. Additionally, non-Hispanic Black and American Indian or Alaska Native populations face rates two to three times higher than their white counterparts.
The challenge of accurately monitoring and addressing trends in maternal mortality is compounded by inconsistencies in existing tracking systems. The lack of a standardized, age-adjusted approach hampers efforts to measure mortality rates accurately and implement targeted interventions. Furthermore, the exclusion of late maternal deaths, defined as occurring more than 42 days but less than one year after pregnancy, from current tracking systems highlights the need for a more comprehensive and standardized approach.
In a recent study published in JAMA Network Open, titled “Pregnancy-Related Deaths in the US, 2018–2022,” researchers conducted a thorough analysis of 18,475,989 live births and 6,283 pregnancy-related deaths among women aged 15 to 54 years. The findings revealed a 27.7% increase in the age-standardized rate of pregnancy-related mortality from 2018 to 2022, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
The study also highlighted significant disparities in mortality rates across states, with Alabama and Mississippi recording the highest crude rates and California and Minnesota the lowest. Age, race, and ethnicity also played significant roles in determining mortality rates, with American Indian and Alaska Native women facing the highest risk.
Cardiovascular disorders emerged as the leading contributor to late maternal death, followed by cancer, endocrine disorders, and drug- and alcohol-induced causes. These findings emphasize the need for targeted prevention strategies that address the specific causes and timing of pregnancy-related deaths.
In conclusion, the study’s findings underscore the pressing need for standardized monitoring of pregnancy-related deaths in the United States. By understanding the underlying causes and disparities in mortality rates, public health officials can implement effective interventions to prevent unnecessary loss of life. It is imperative that policymakers, healthcare providers, and researchers work together to address this critical issue and strive towards a future where preventable pregnancy-related deaths are a thing of the past.
References:
– Chen, Y., et al. (2025). Pregnancy-Related Deaths in the US, 2018-2022. JAMA Network Open. DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.4325
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