Feb 14, 2025 Story by: Editor
New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals a troubling disparity in maternal mortality rates: while overall pregnancy-related deaths have decreased across most racial and ethnic groups, Black women remain the exception.
By the Numbers
According to the CDC’s National Vital Statistics System, the maternal mortality rate for non-Hispanic Black women increased slightly from 49.5 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2022 to 50.3 in 2023. In contrast, the rates for white, Hispanic, and Asian women were significantly lower and showed slight declines, with white women at 14.5 deaths per 100,000, Hispanic women at 12.4, and Asian women at 10.7.
Why It Matters
Black women continue to face maternal mortality rates more than three times higher than those of other racial and ethnic groups. While the CDC states that the increase from 2022 to 2023 is not statistically significant, Black women were the only demographic that did not see a decline in maternal deaths.
A Systemic Issue
The CDC report arrives amid growing concerns about racial disparities in healthcare. “There’s implicit bias” when Black patients receive care from non-Black providers, explains LaTasha Seliby Perkins, an assistant professor at Georgetown University School of Medicine.
Perkins, who is African American, recounts her own experience with medical bias during a previous pregnancy. Despite being of advanced maternal age, her doctor dismissed the concern simply because she did not “look” over 35. Currently pregnant, Perkins continues to worry about the quality of her care.
Historical and Structural Barriers
Racial disparities in maternal mortality have deep roots in the U.S. medical system. A 2023 study published in The Lancet found that even in areas with greater access to maternal healthcare, Black women still face a disproportionately high risk of dying during or after childbirth—often at higher rates than white women in underserved regions.
The Bigger Picture
Research consistently shows that having more Black doctors improves health outcomes for Black patients and overall patient care. However, the number of Black students entering medical school has dropped sharply in recent years, raising concerns about the future of equitable healthcare.
While maternal deaths are declining for most, Black women continue to face the highest risks—highlighting the urgent need for systemic changes to address racial inequities in maternal health. Source: Axios
