Maternal Death Rate Increased Sharply in 2021

Newly released data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that the maternal death rate spiked sharply across the country in 2021. The increase disproportionally affected Black women when compared to White women, with the maternal death rate nearly tripling in Black women. Women aged 40 or older when giving birth suffered the highest risk of maternal death, and women diagnosed with COVID-19 while pregnant suffered an increased risk of death due to cardiovascular complications before or during childbirth.

The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) reports these maternal death rates:

• 658 in 2018
• 754 in 2019
• 861 in 2020
• 1,205 in 2021

This data shows a constant upward trend of maternal deaths — when a mother dies due to childbirth complications — in the last few years. Although the statistics are still being compiled by the CDC and NCHS, it is predicted that the maternal death rate will not decrease in 2022. If there is a decrease, it will likely be small because the issues that caused the substantial jump in maternal death rates in the first place have not diminished, such as challenges to accessing healthcare for families with lower incomes, treatment bias, and Covid 19 infections

When Improper Healthcare Causes Maternal Deaths

For some of the mothers who lost their lives during childbirth in 2021, the underlying cause was not a pre-existing health complication, such as vascular damage caused by the coronavirus. Instead, the root cause can be traced to improper or substandard care provided by medical doctors and institutions. When this happens, legal action might be appropriate through a medical malpractice, birth injury, or wrongful death lawsuit.

The Becker Law Firm, LPA is recognized across Ohio and the nation for our ability to successfully handle complex injury claims and lawsuits, including those related to maternal death caused by inadequate medical treatment standards. If you lost a loved one due to childbirth injuries and complications, then our Cleveland maternal death attorneys want to hear from you to see how we can help. Please dial (440) 252-4399 to speak with a member of our firm during an initial confidential consultation about what you can do next to demand compensation and justice for your family.

Useful Resources

• “Maternal Mortality Rates in the United States, 2021” (CDC)
• “US maternal death rate rose sharply in 2021, CDC data shows, and experts worry the problem is getting worse” (CNN Health)