New Report Shows “Dramatic” Increase in U.S. Maternal Death Rate 

New data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that the nation’s maternal mortality rate rose significantly in 2021. This continues a negative and alarming trend in the United States, which already has one of the highest rates of maternal mortality among high-income countries.  

The U.S. maternal death rate for 2021 was 32.9 deaths per 100,000 live births, compared with 23.8 in 2020. That’s a nearly 40% increase.  

The report also shows significant racial disparities in U.S. maternal mortality rates. In 2021, the rate for Black birthing people was 69.9 deaths per 100,000 live births – 2.6 times the rate for white birthing people.  

According to experts, the main cause of this “dramatic” increase in maternal deaths was COVID-19 – which, when severe, often progresses to sepsis.  In fact, the American Medical Association has specified that “surviving severe COVID-19 means surviving viral sepsis.” Sepsis is already the second leading cause of pregnancy-related death in the United States. 

The alarming pregnancy-related mortality statistics are not only connected to COVID-19, however. The maternal death rate in the United States has been steadily climbing over the past three decades. COVID-19 has made a large crisis worse.  

Improving outcomes for pregnant people continues to be a top priority for Sepsis Alliance, as we work towards a world in which no one is harmed by sepsis.  

Learn more about maternal sepsis by clicking here. Learn more about Sepsis Alliance’s commitment to improving outcomes for pregnant people, among other advocacy priorities, here.