New data underscore racial disparities in pregnancy-related deaths

New data from the CDC add to the growing body of evidence that pregnancy-related deaths occur more frequently in women of color — especially black and Native American women — than in women of other backgrounds. Between 2007 and 2016, the pregnancy-related mortality rate for the general U.S. population was around 17 deaths per 100,000 people, but the rate for black women was nearly 41 deaths per 100,000 people and nearly 30 deaths per 100,000 for Native American women. The disparity increased with age: The mortality rate among black and Native American women who were 30 years or older was four to five times higher than the rate in white women. Most of these deaths can be prevented, the report’s authors write, adding that identifying the factors behind the disparities is important for implementing strategies to close the gaps.