Maternal Mortality in the United States

In the years since maternal deaths surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. continues to stand out globally — and not in a good way. Despite global declines in maternal mortality, the U.S. remains among a handful of countries with rising maternal death rates, marked by severe racial, geographic, and systemic disparities. Our newly updated brief explores why, drawing on the latest CDC and state-level data to examine trends, causes, and consequences. It also highlights where change is possible — from Medicaid

expansion to community-led care. Read this essential brief to understand how maternal mortality is not just a health crisis, but a mirror of broader policy and health system failures — and an urgent call for action.