Studies Show Maternal Mortality Rates Have Worsened, Disproportionately Affecting Black and American Indian and Alaska Native Individuals

New research from IHME and Mass General Brigham shows US maternal mortality trends have worsened from 1999 to 2019. Black women, American Indian and Alaska Native women (AIAN) are at increased risk, particularly in states where inequities had not previously been highlighted. The study was published on July 3 in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), and it is relevant to anyone and everyone who wants to see these trends improve for women in the US.

 

This data has been cited in recent coverage by New York Times OpinionPOLITICOPBS NewshourReuters, and many others.

 

Already, there is policy impact because of this research: just a week after our study was published, US senators BookerWarnockMenendez, and Padilla reintroduced the Kira Johnson Act (included in the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2023) to improve maternal health outcomes for women of color in the US. All four announcements cited our study.


Here is a link to the study on JAMA's website, and the data set for all 50 states (click the download button).


The Study Link

More ABWP News

By Dalyce Kelley April 21, 2026
We say their names. We honor their lives. We commit to action in their memory.
By Dalyce Kelley April 3, 2026
Black Maternal Health Week 5K Walk
By Dalyce Kelley March 22, 2026
Celebrating Excellence & Unity: Honoring Our 2026–2028 Executive Board
By Dalyce Kelley March 22, 2026
Join us today at 4:30PM PT for the ABWP Monthly Membership Meeting
By Dalyce Kelley February 28, 2026
Why Justice for Epstein Survivors is a Bipartisan Mandate, Dr. Valencia P. Walker.
By Dalyce Kelley February 14, 2026
Congratulations Dr. La Tanya R. Hines, M.D., F.A.C.O.G. , on being named a 2026 Ralph Bunche Humanitarian Award Honoree !
By Dalyce Kelley February 8, 2026
Register for the First Sister-to-Sister Meeting of 2026
By Dalyce Kelley January 22, 2026
Health Equity is a Civil Right ✊🏾🩺
By Dalyce Kelley January 16, 2026
ABWP President-Elect Dr. Anastasia Williams Featured in San Fernando Valley Sun for Vaccine Advocacy
By Dalyce Kelley November 30, 2025
Congratulations to ABWP Past President, Glenna P. Tolbert, MD, QME, and ABWP Member, Mary Alice Flowers, MD, Nephrologist & Author, Elected as Recipients of the Prestigious Minority Health Institute IMHOTEP Award!