Updated January 2025
The United States has the highest rate of maternal death among high-income nations, with significant racial, ethnic, and geographic disparities. In 2022, the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) was approximately 22 deaths per 100,000 live births, and more than 80% of these deaths were preventable. Across the contiguous United States, approximately 1 in 4 maternal deaths occur during pregnancy, 1 in 3 occur within the first 42 days postpartum, and another 1/4 occur between 6 weeks and 1 year postpartum, underscoring the importance of access to health care beyond pregnancy.
This fact sheet is from the SWHR Women’s Health Equity Initiative, which highlights data on women’s health in the United States and aims to provide solutions to improve health equity across diseases, conditions, and life stages.
Download Fact Sheet
