The US Sees Alarming Spike in Maternal Mortality Rates in 2021, New Study Challenges CDC Data

Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has revealed a troubling 40% increase in maternal mortality rates in the US in 2021 compared to the previous year. However, a new peer-reviewed study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology is challenging these findings, suggesting a lower maternal mortality rate of 10.4 deaths per 100,000 births from 2018 to 2021.

The study also highlighted persistent racial disparities, with Black women being three times more likely to experience fatal complications compared to white women. Researchers have acknowledged that both the CDC’s data and the new study may have flaws in their data collection methods, underscoring the importance of reliable data to understand the causes, treatments, and interventions for maternal mortality.

The UK was cited as a gold standard for data collection on maternal deaths, using multiple sources to confirm pregnancy-related deaths. Despite the potentially lower rate suggested by the new study, the US still lags behind many other industrialized countries in terms of maternal mortality rates.

Concerns about racial disparities, systemic racism, and unequal access to healthcare continue to plague the US healthcare system. Experts agree that better data collection is crucial for identifying effective treatments and preventive measures to reduce maternal mortality rates and address these pressing issues. Bio Prep Watch will continue to monitor developments in this critical area of public health.