Trends in maternal mortality rates by state, United States, 2018 to 2023.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The United States maternal mortality rate increased after 2018, with a marked increase in 2021 followed by a decline in 2022 and 2023. Trends at the state level have not yet been examined, likely due to the small numbers of maternal deaths occurring annually in most states. Small area estimation models can provide more reliable estimates of maternal mortality at the state level, by borrowing strength over time and across geographic areas.

Objective

To examine state-level trends in maternal mortality rates from 2018 through 2023 and the contribution of COVID-19-related maternal deaths to the trends.

Study design

Serial cross-sectional study of state-level mortality and natality data from the United States National Vital Statistics System from 2018 through 20

SUBMITTER: Rossen LM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12690559 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature