Maternal mortality and other adverse pregnancy outcomes significantly worsened in 2020 and 2021 compared to previous years, according to a report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO). The report, released in February 2024, also highlights persistent disparities in maternal health outcomes for certain groups during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the GAO’s analysis of data from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the maternal mortality rate among non-Hispanic Black or African American women was approximately 2.5 times higher than that of non-Hispanic White women during the studied period. The report emphasizes the need for improved assessment of efforts to address these worsening outcomes and ongoing disparities.
The GAO reviewed data from various sources, including the Pregnancy Mortality Surveillance System, and compared outcomes across racial and ethnic groups, as well as by payer for delivery or insurance. They also interviewed officials from program teams at the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about their quality improvement efforts, initiatives, and challenges faced in addressing disparities and the impact of COVID-19.
The report calls for HHS to enhance its evaluation of programs aimed at tackling the deteriorating maternal health outcomes and persistent inequities. By addressing these issues, the GAO hopes to drive progress towards better maternal health for all women in the United States, regardless of their racial or ethnic background.
See “Maternal Health: HHS Should Improve Assessment of Efforts to Address Worsening Outcomes” (March 12, 2024)
