Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Pregnancy-Related Deaths - United States, 2007-2016.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Maternal Health
• Health Disparities

Background:

• Approximately 700 women die annually in the U.S. from pregnancy or its complications.
• Significant racial and ethnic disparities exist in pregnancy-related mortality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze pregnancy-related mortality ratios (PRMRs) and identify racial/ethnic disparities in the U.S. from 2007-2016.
• To examine cause-specific mortality differences among racial/ethnic groups.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data from the CDC's Pregnancy Mortality Surveillance System (PMSS) for 2007-2016.
• Calculation of PRMRs by demographic characteristics and state PRMR tertiles.
• Assessment of cause-specific proportionate mortality by race/ethnicity.

Main Results:

• The overall U.S. PRMR was 16.7 deaths per 100,000 births.
• Non-Hispanic Black and American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) women had significantly higher PRMRs (40.8 and 29.7, respectively) than other groups.
• Disparities persisted across age groups and education levels, with higher PRMRs for Black and AI/AN women even with higher education.

Conclusions:

• Racial and ethnic disparities in pregnancy-related mortality are a critical public health issue in the U.S.
• Strategies to improve women's health and access to quality care are needed across preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum periods.
• Coordinated efforts at multiple levels are essential to address these disparities.