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The maternal mortality rate in the United States returned to its 2020 level in 2022, after jumping during the Covid-19 pandemic, American health authorities announced Thursday.
This “good news” does not necessarily mean “that we are close to resolving the problem of maternal mortality, particularly disparities in care“, reacted in a press release Verda Hicks, president of the American Association of Gynecologists and Obstetricians.
Maternal mortality is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a death occurring during pregnancy or within 42 days following its end, for a cause linked to or aggravated by pregnancy or its management.
In 2022, 817 women died in the United States, compared to 1,205 in 2021. In 2020, this number was 861.
The maternal mortality rate therefore stood at 22.3 deaths per 100,000 births in 2022 — compared to 32.9 in 2021.
However, it is still much higher than that observed in other rich countries.
Disparities also remain very large depending on the population: the maternal mortality rate was 49.5 deaths per 100,000 births among black people in 2022, compared to 19 deaths among white people.
According to Verda Hicks, the peak observed during the pandemic was linked to difficulties in accessing care for patients, but also to the worsening of inequalities during this period.
She also expressed her “concern” about “a potential increase in maternal mortality” in states where abortion has been banned, after a decision by the Supreme Court in the summer of 2022.
“To manage complications during pregnancy, abortion can be vital, and refusing this care undoubtedly compromises the lives of patients.” she said.
Women have initiated legal proceedings in certain states after being refused this medical procedure despite serious complications, their doctors fearing, according to these patients’ accounts, of exposing themselves to prosecution.
On Monday, the US Department of Health announced $100 million in funding to support approximately 100 organizations working to improve maternal and child health across the country.
“Having a safe and healthy pregnancy and birth should not depend on skin color, language spoken at home or where you live“, underlined in a press release the Minister of Health, Xavier Becerra.