The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate of any high-income country, according to a new analysis by the Commonwealth Fund. Despite a decline since the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. rate remains far higher than peer nations like the U.K., France, and Canada.
Black women in the U.S. face a disproportionately high risk of dying from pregnancy-related causes compared to white women. Over 80% of maternal deaths are considered preventable.
In contrast, several wealthy countries have virtually eliminated maternal mortality through robust policies and support systems for women during and after pregnancy. These include universal health care, access to midwives and postpartum home visits, and generous paid family leave.
The Commonwealth Fund researchers, led by Roosa Tikkanen, analyzed the most recent data from the CDC and OECD. They expanded their analysis to include additional countries like Japan and Korea.
Maternal health advocates say the findings highlight the urgent need for the U.S. to adopt proven strategies from abroad. Potential solutions include extending Medicaid coverage for new mothers, diversifying the perinatal workforce, and addressing the root causes of racial disparities in health care access and quality.
See: “Insights into the U.S. Maternal Mortality Crisis: An International Comparison” (June 4, 2024)
