The rate of pregnancy-related deaths is still far too high in New York State, especially among Black pregnant persons, according to two new reports. This is despite continued efforts to reduce maternal mortality especially among racial and ethnic minorities.
A total of 121 pregnancy-related deaths occurred from 2018-2020. Black, non-Hispanic women had a pregnancy-related death rate five times higher than White, non-Hispanic women. About three-quarters of these deaths had at least some chance of being prevented.
“The number of Black people who die of causes related to pregnancy is indicative of long-standing health disparities resulting from inequitable care and systemic racism,” New said York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald. To address this crisis, the State Department of Health has created the Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Advisory Council to help identify social determinants and other issues known to affect maternal health outcomes.
See “New York State Health Department Releases Maternal Mortality Reports Detailing Stark Racial, Ethnic Disparities“ on the New York State Department of Health website (March 14, 2024)
