A dynamic and engaging banner for USLIVE.com, featuring bold typography and vibrant visuals that represent the latest in breaking news, entertainment, celebrity updates, lifestyle trends, and current events. Designed to keep readers informed 24/7 with the most relevant and up-to-date stories.

Disparity in maternal deaths increased among US women of different races during childbirth period.

In 2023, the maternal mortality rate for Black women in the United States was found to be nearly 3.5 times that of white women, despite an overall decline in maternal deaths returning to levels prior to the pandemic. This information comes from federal health data released on Wednesday, which highlighted the increasing disparities in maternal mortality rates among different racial groups. In the years 2021 and 2022, Black women’s maternal death rate was approximately 2.6 times higher than that of their white counterparts.

Experts, including Dr. Amanda Williams, interim medical director for the March of Dimes, noted that while the COVID-19 pandemic affected all expectant mothers during its peak, the reversion to routine activities afterward exposed the persistent issues of systemic racism and unequal access to healthcare. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) compiled its report using death certificates, which recognized deaths occurring while pregnant, during childbirth, and up to 42 days postpartum, excluding accidental fatalities.

The findings of the report revealed several key statistics:
– The maternal death rate for white women decreased from 19 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2022 to 14.5 per 100,000 in 2023.
– For Black women, the rate slightly increased from 49.5 to a little above 50; however, this change was not statistically significant.
– Hispanic women saw their mortality rate drop from around 17 to approximately 12.
– Similarly, the rate for Asian American women fell from about 13 to around 11.

In total, 669 maternal deaths were recorded in 2023 due to complications from pregnancy or childbirth, representing a decrease from 817 deaths in 2022 and 1,205 in 2021, the highest level in over half a century. Significant factors contributing to maternal mortality include severe bleeding, blockages in blood vessels, and infections, including complications from COVID-19. The pandemic posed significant risks to pregnant women, and during its peak, overwhelmed healthcare providers may have overlooked the concerns of expectant mothers, according to experts.

With the overall threat of COVID-19 to pregnancies decreasing as the pandemic waned, hospitals and birthing centers have returned to standard operations. Additionally, a key development was the federal Medicaid expansion, which now provides postpartum care for up to 12 months, rather than just seven weeks, thereby improving the health of mothers as they recover and prepare for subsequent pregnancies.

The relationship between maternal deaths and the number of pregnancies is also noted, with declining U.S. birth rates contributing to the reduced number of deaths associated with pregnancy. Eugene Declercq, a researcher on maternal mortality at Boston University, mentioned this correlation. While the government continues to process maternal death data from the previous year, preliminary analyses suggest that the number of maternal deaths in 2024 may be similar to those recorded in 2023.

author avatar
@USLive
A dynamic and engaging banner for USLIVE.com, featuring bold typography and vibrant visuals that represent the latest in breaking news, entertainment, celebrity updates, lifestyle trends, and current events. Designed to keep readers informed 24/7 with the most relevant and up-to-date stories.
TOP HEADLINES

Breaking: Russian representative announces end of Russia-US discussions, no...

Top diplomats from Russia and U.S. officials convened in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday to...

Rubio states that resolving the Ukraine conflict will necessitate...

In a recent statement, a prominent U.S. lawmaker indicated that bringing an end to...

Rubio argues that resolving the Ukraine conflict will necessitate...

In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Marco Rubio has stated that reaching a resolution to the...

Hamas Chief Announces Transfer of Bibas Family Remains Scheduled...

Hamas officials have announced that the remains of the Bibas family, who were taken...

Middle East Update: Egypt delays Arab summit regarding Gaza...

Egypt has decided to delay an urgent Arab summit aimed at addressing U.S. President...

UN rights official claims Rwanda-supported insurgents in eastern Congo...

DAKAR, Senegal — The United Nations human rights chief has accused Rwandan-backed rebels of...