AURN News with Ebony McMorris

A Step Forward, But Miles to Go: Highlighting Black Maternal Health Challenges

Black women continue to face disproportionately high risks, with maternal mortality rates of 49.5 deaths per 100,000 live births, more than twice as high as their counterparts.

Ebony McMorris
May 2, 2024

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According to a new report from the CDC, the United States has recorded a significant decline in maternal mortality rates, with 2022 figures showing a decrease from 22.3 deaths per 100,000 live births, down sharply from 32.9 in 2021.

This improvement follows a severe spike in maternal deaths during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the positive trend masks a distressing reality; Black women continue to face disproportionately high risks, with maternal mortality rates of 49.5 deaths per 100,000 live births, more than twice as high as their counterparts.

This persistent disparity highlights the deep-seated inequalities in health care that still need urgent addressing. The decline in overall maternal mortality may partly stem from reduced COVID-19 cases, yet the specific challenges affecting Black mothers remain prevalent.

Click play to listen to the report from AURN White House Correspondent Ebony McMorris. For more news, follow @E_N_McMorris & @aurnonline.

White House Correspondent Ebony McMorris is a native Washingtonian and University of South Carolina alumna. Her passion is mentoring young adults by teaching community empowerment and media education. She is an NAB member and board member of the Thurgood Marshall Center and was presented the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award for contributing more than 4,000 hours of community service under the Obama Administration.