The Maternal and Infant Health Crisis in the U.S.: Why Women of Color Face the Greatest Risks

A National Health Crisis

The United States is one of the wealthiest countries in the world, yet it has some of the worst maternal and infant health outcomes among developed nations. Both maternal mortality (the number of women who die from pregnancy-related causes) and infant mortality (the number of babies who die before their first birthday) remain unacceptably high.

Even more alarming is that women of color—especially Black and Indigenous women—face the highest risks. Understanding where and why these disparities occur is critical to addressing this national crisis.

Maternal Mortality in the U.S.

According to the CDC:

• In 2023, the U.S. maternal mortality rate was 18.6 deaths per 100,000 live births.

• Black women experienced 50.3 deaths per 100,000—nearly 3× higher than white women.

• American Indian/Alaska Native women faced nearly 4× the risk compared to white women.

These are not just statistics—they represent preventable tragedies affecting families and communities across the nation.

Infant Mortality in the U.S.

• The national infant mortality rate is 5.6 deaths per 1,000 live births.

• Black infants die at more than double the rate of white infants.

• States like Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana consistently report the highest infant death rates.

The Worst States for Maternal and Infant Health

The states with the highest maternal and infant mortality rates are concentrated in the South and parts of the Midwest.

States with the Highest Maternal Mortality:

• Mississippi

• Louisiana

• Tennessee

• Alabama

• Georgia

States with the Highest Infant Mortality:

• Mississippi

• Arkansas

• Alabama

• South Carolina

• West Virginia

Meanwhile, states like California, Massachusetts, and New Jersey have some of the lowest mortality rates, thanks to stronger healthcare systems and maternal health programs.

(Insert your 4-map visual here for maximum impact.)

Why Women of Color Are at Greater Risk

The disparities in maternal and newborn health outcomes are not coincidental. They are tied to systemic issues in the U.S. healthcare system, including:

• Maternity care deserts: Many rural and urban areas lack adequate maternity care, disproportionately affecting Black and Indigenous communities.

• Bias in healthcare: Women of color are less likely to be listened to or believed when reporting symptoms.

• Policy barriers: States that restrict reproductive healthcare and fail to expand Medicaid have worse outcomes.

• Socioeconomic factors: Poverty, housing insecurity, and transportation challenges increase risks.

What’s Working: Solutions That Save Lives

Some states are proving that improvement is possible.

• California reduced maternal deaths significantly through the California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative, which implemented standardized care for common complications.

• Community-based doulas and midwives improve birth outcomes for women of color by providing culturally competent care.

• Medicaid expansion and extending postpartum coverage to 12 months are proven policies that improve access to care.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

The U.S. maternal and infant health crisis is not just about numbers—it’s about lives. Women of color continue to face the greatest risks due to systemic inequities, yet many of these deaths are preventable.

A safe pregnancy and birth should not depend on a mother’s race or the state where she lives. To change this, the nation must invest in equitable healthcare, expand access to maternal services, and hold healthcare systems accountable.

✨ Every mother and every baby deserve a healthy start.