U.S. Maternal Mortality Rates Remain High Amid Stark Racial and Regional Disparities

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In 2023, the maternal mortality rate in the United States was 18.6 deaths per 100,000 live births — a figure comparable to countries like Palestine and Chile but significantly higher than most other wealthy nations. Although this represents a decline from 22.3 per 100,000 in 2022, the U.S. continues to struggle with maternal deaths at rates that surpass the majority of high-income countries.

One of the most troubling aspects of maternal health in the U.S. is the persistent and severe disparities across racial and ethnic groups. Black women face a maternal mortality rate nearly three times higher than the national average. Similarly, American Indian, Alaska Native (AIAN), Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (NHPI) women endure rates that are more than double the national level and over four times greater than those of Asian women.

State-by-state variations are also striking. Louisiana reported the highest maternal mortality rate in 2023, with 41.9 deaths per 100,000 live births, more than double the national average. Infant mortality rates show similar disparities, with Mississippi experiencing the highest infant death rate at 8.9 per 1,000 live births, while New Hampshire had the lowest at 3.1.

The broader picture for child health reflects these inequalities. Under-five mortality in the U.S. held steady at 6.7 per 1,000 live births in 2023, a rate comparable to countries such as Albania and Chile. However, mortality among Black children under five is alarmingly high — at 13.4 per 1,000 — a figure comparable to nations like Mexico and Laos, far exceeding other racial or ethnic groups within the U.S.

The recent overturning of Roe v. Wade and reductions in Medicaid funding have raised concerns among experts, who warn these policy changes could worsen maternal and infant health outcomes nationwide. Access to safe abortion services has decreased in many states, leading some women to face high-risk pregnancies or resort to unsafe alternatives. Medicaid cuts threaten to reduce coverage stability during pregnancy and postpartum periods — critical times for monitoring and care — potentially increasing risks of complications and mortality.

This data underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to address racial inequities and regional disparities in maternal and child health. Without focused efforts to improve access to care and support for vulnerable populations, the U.S. risks falling further behind other developed nations in protecting the lives of mothers and children.