The U.S Maternal Mortality Health Crisis: Determinants, Impacts, and Interventions

Authors

Veronica A. Gomez, University of LynchburgFollow

Abstract

In the United States, maternal mortality is a concerning issue and has the highest maternal mortality rate among developed countries. The maternal mortality rate has nearly doubled since 2000, and at least half of these deaths are preventable. While pregnancy-related deaths are preventable in America, the maternal mortality rate has steadily rise over the last decade, highlighting the failures of the healthcare system and the inequities faced by women of low socioeconomic backgrounds and color. In the last 20 years, the US has seen a rise in pregnancy-related fatalities. Factors include cardiac problems, bleeding, and chronic medical conditions. Also, unintentional deaths caused by violence, overdose, and self-harming are leading causes of pregnancy-associated deaths. Racial and ethnic disparities are evident with non-Hispanic black women experience three to four times higher rates of pregnancy-related deaths than non-Hispanic white women. The shortage of maternity care providers, particularly midwives, is another critical contributing factor. The US lacks access to provider home visits or paid parental leave during the postpartum period despite a significant proportion of maternal deaths occurring during this time. There is a need for further research to understand the root causes of increased maternal mortality in the United States and to develop targeted interventions to improve maternal health outcomes. Interventions need to include 1) working to eliminate racism in our society and making sure everyone has equal access to essential resources like food, house, and education; 2) making it easier for people to get the medical care they need by improving health insurance and making sure everyone has access to quality healthcare; 3) developing a midwifery model; 4) providing affordable access to birth center; 5) reducing non-communicable disease; 6) public health policy and initiatives; 7) improving data and surveillance; and 8) increasing the availability of telehealth.

Recommended Citation

Gomez VA. The U.S Maternal Mortality Health Crisis: Determinants, Impacts, and Interventions. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2025; 7(3).