U.S. Maternal Death Rate Falls in 2024

NEWS OVERVIEW:

The U.S. maternal mortality rate declined in 2024 to its lowest level since 2018, according to new CDC data. A total of 649 maternal deaths were recorded, with a rate of 17.9 deaths per 100,000 births. Despite the decline, significant disparities remain across race and age groups.

Some details for the context:

  • The CDC reported 649 maternal deaths in 2024, compared with 669 deaths in 2023.
  • The maternal mortality rate declined from 18.6 deaths per 100,000 births in 2023 to 17.9 in 2024.
  • Black women experienced the highest mortality rate at 44.8 deaths per 100,000 births, about 3 times higher than white women.
  • Women aged 40 and older had the highest rate at 62.3 deaths per 100,000 births in 2024.
  • The CDC estimates more than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths in the U.S. are preventable.

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