
US Maternal Deaths Fall to 2018 Levels
NEWS OVERVIEW:
The United States recorded a significant drop in maternal mortality in 2023, according to new data from the CDC. The national rate fell to its lowest level since 2018 after recent pandemic-era increases.
Some details for the context:
- The CDC reported 669 maternal deaths in the United States during 2023.
- The maternal mortality rate declined to 18.6 deaths per 100,000 live births.
- This marks a clear drop from the rate of about 22.3 deaths per 100,000 births reported in 2022.
- Maternal mortality remains significantly higher among Black women compared with other racial groups.
- Health experts say improved care and post-pandemic conditions likely contributed to the decline.