The U.S. maternal mortality rate has skyrocketed.
New data on maternal mortality showed how the healthcare system treats pregnant women in the country.
The U.S. has experienced the highest maternal mortality rate in 60 years.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that 1,205 women died of maternal causes in 2021, compared to 754 deaths in 2019 and 861 in 2020.
The rate of maternal mortality in 2021 was 32.9 deaths per 100,000 live births, significantly higher than the rates of maternal mortality in 2019 (20.1) and 2020 (23.8).
COVID-19 pandemic and maternal mortality rate
According to CBS, COVID-19 can put pregnant women at high risk, and experts believe it was the main reason for the 2021 spike in the maternal mortality rate.
A recent study published by BMJ Global Health showed that pregnant women who contracted COVID-19 were nearly eight times as likely to die as their uninfected peers.
Infection, excessive bleeding, and blood vessel blockages are the leading causes of maternal death. COVID-19, on top of other health problems, can make the condition of pregnant women more fragile as the virus forces their hearts to pump harder.
According to Dr. Elizabeth Cherot, the chief medical and health officer for the March of Dimes, COVID-19 can potentially exacerbate existing health problems in pregnant women. She stated that the virus could make their condition much worse.
Several proponents believe that overworked medical professionals may have contributed to the rise in risk by ignoring the concerns of pregnant women.
Low vaccination rate among pregnant women
According to the Associated Press, the latest statistics demonstrate that the maternal mortality rate in the United States is higher than in any other developed country, especially for women of color.
The maternal mortality rate for black women in 2021 was nearly three times as high as it was for white women.
Additionally, the maternal mortality rate for Hispanic American women in 2021 rose 54 percent compared to the previous year, surpassing the death rate for white mothers.
Compounding the problem is the low vaccination rates among pregnant women in 2021, particularly among Black women.
A portion of this was due to the limited availability of vaccines. The CDC did not thoroughly recommend shots for pregnant women until August 2021.
As per Samantha Griffin, the owner of a doula service that primarily serves families of color in the Washington, D.C. area, there was initially a significant amount of vaccine hesitancy among Black communities.
Low vaccination rates among pregnant women increased the risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19 for pregnant women, especially those of color.
This is an urgent call to action for policymakers, healthcare providers, and the public to prioritize vaccination for pregnant women and those considering pregnancy.
The COVID-19 pandemic has spotlighted the persistent health disparities disproportionately affecting women of color. Taking immediate action to address the maternal mortality rate in the United States is crucial.
Spike in maternal mortality
The spike in maternal mortality rates in the United States in 2021, especially among women of color, is alarming.
The COVID-19 pandemic has put pregnant women at a higher risk of severe illness and death, especially when combined with other health problems.
Low vaccination rates among pregnant women also increased the risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19.
This highlights the urgent need to prioritize vaccination for pregnant women and those considering pregnancy.
Policymakers, healthcare providers, and the public should work together to address the persistent health disparities that disproportionately affect women of color and take immediate action to reduce the maternal mortality rate in the United States.
