The United States experienced a modest increase in maternal death rate in 2024, according to newly released data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The number of women who died during pregnancy or shortly after giving birth rose to 688, up from 669 reported in 2023. This reversal comes after two years of steady decline following a peak during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The maternal mortality rate also edged upward to 19 deaths per 100,000 live births, compared to 18.6 the previous year. The CDC includes in its count all deaths occurring during pregnancy, childbirth, and up to 42 days postpartum, provided the cause is related to pregnancy. Common causes include excessive bleeding, infections, and blood vessel blockages.
Health officials point to the pandemic as a major contributor to the dramatic rise in maternal deaths in 2021 and 2022. Pregnant women were particularly vulnerable to the virus, and overwhelmed healthcare systems may have failed to adequately address their concerns. “Burnout among physicians likely played a role in missed warning signs during the pandemic’s worst phase,” experts noted.
COVID-19 Decline Offset by New Healthcare Challenges
While the decline of COVID-19 in 2022 and 2023 initially led to lower maternal death rates, experts warn that other concerning trends are beginning to reverse that progress. One major factor is the increasing number of rural hospital closures, which limits access to timely and specialized maternal healthcare.
Additionally, the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade—the ruling that had federally protected abortion rights—has created uncertainty and hesitation among some healthcare providers. In certain states, doctors are reportedly more cautious when treating pregnancy-related complications for fear of legal repercussions, which may delay critical interventions.
These developments have raised alarm among public health advocates who say that broader systemic issues are now contributing to maternal deaths. “Access to care is being threatened in multiple ways, and that puts pregnant women at greater risk,” said one maternal health expert.
Disparities and International Comparisons Remain Stark
Despite being one of the wealthiest nations in the world, the U.S. continues to report one of the highest maternal death rate among developed countries. Health disparities remain a persistent issue, with Black women significantly more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women.
Studies have shown that socioeconomic factors, structural racism, and unequal access to healthcare contribute to this ongoing gap. Public health officials emphasize the need for targeted interventions to address these disparities and improve outcomes for all pregnant individuals.
While the overall rise in deaths from 2023 to 2024 is modest, experts caution that even slight increases signal deeper systemic problems. They urge investment in maternal health infrastructure, policy reform, and continued monitoring to prevent further backsliding.
