Rising Maternal Deaths in the US: Disparities and Alarming Trends

Maternal deaths in the United States have more than doubled over the past two decades, with black mothers experiencing the highest rates and American Indian and Native Alaskan mothers seeing the largest increases, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The study revealed significant disparities across states and racial/ethnic groups, highlighting the impact of structural racism and healthcare access. The U.S. has the highest rate of maternal mortality among wealthy nations, with causes including bleeding, infection, heart disease, suicide, and drug overdose. The study calls for action to address the root causes of these disparities and improve healthcare and social services.