Preventing Maternal Deaths: Why We Can’t Afford to Wait Any Longer

Imani Bradford
Jul 17
3 min read

Each year in the United States, more than 700 women die from pregnancy-related complications. This is a staggering number for a nation with some of the most advanced healthcare systems in the world. What makes these tragedies even harder to accept is that 4 out of 5 of these deaths are preventable, according to the CDC. Behind each number is a family, a community, and a future cut short. The time to act is now.

That’s why advocates, healthcare professionals, and community leaders are rallying around the Preventing Maternal Deaths Act, a critical piece of legislation aimed at addressing this crisis head-on.

What Is the Preventing Maternal Deaths Act?

At its core, this bill is about accountability, action, and solutions. It provides vital support for Maternal Mortality Review Committees (MMRCs), independent groups of experts charged with investigating the causes behind maternal deaths. These committees are designed to do more than just count tragedies; they analyze them to uncover patterns, gaps in care, and systemic failures so that future deaths can be prevented.

MMRCs bring together professionals across disciplines public health officials, obstetricians, nurses, midwives, and community advocates to examine data and make concrete recommendations to policymakers and healthcare systems. Currently, the CDC supports MMRCs in 46 states and six territories, yet their work requires sustained funding and legislative backing to maximize impact.

Why This Act Matters Now More Than Ever

Maternal health outcomes in the U.S. have been under intense scrutiny, and for good reason. While there was a 17% decline in maternal mortality in 2023, the overall picture remains grim:

Black women face a maternal mortality rate 3.5 times higher than White women, a gap that continues to widen.
Native American women also face disproportionately high risks of complications and death.
Rural communities and areas identified as maternity care deserts, home to over 5.6 million women of childbearing age, continue to lack essential services, placing hundreds of thousands of pregnancies at risk every year.

Maternal mortality is not just a healthcare issue; it’s a social justice issue, an economic issue, and a family stability issue.

The Economic Cost of Inaction

Beyond the human toll, the cost of poor maternal health outcomes is staggering. The U.S. spends an estimated $25.2 billion annually on the consequences of preventable maternal health complications. Investing in preventative measures through strong legislation like the Preventing Maternal Deaths Act is both morally right and fiscally responsible.

What This Bill Can Accomplish

Strengthen and expand MMRCs across all states and territories
Ensure data-driven recommendations inform healthcare policy and practices
Create pathways for systemic improvements in care, especially for marginalized communities
Save lives and improve health outcomes for mothers and babies across the nation

What Can You Do?

Advocacy matters. Legislators need to hear from people who care, people like you. Here’s how you can help:

Contact your representatives. Urge them to co-sponsor the Preventing Maternal Deaths Act and ensure it’s included in upcoming healthcare packages.
Share your story. Whether you’re a healthcare provider, a mother, or an advocate, personal stories drive home the urgency of this issue.
Stay informed. Follow healthcare data, connect with maternal health organizations and grassroots advocacy groups working to advance maternal health legislation.

Saving Lives Should Not Be Up for Debate

When we know that the majority of these deaths are preventable, inaction is unacceptable. The Preventing Maternal Deaths Act is a common-sense solution backed by data, driven by compassion, and rooted in a vision for a safer future for all mothers.

Let’s make sure our lawmakers know: Every mother deserves to live. Every family deserves the chance to thrive.