Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Initiative

Women in the United States are more likely to die from childbirth or pregnancy-related causes than other women in high-income countries. More evidence is needed to understand the actual causes of death better, but research suggests that half of these deaths may be preventable. Racial disparities persist. The risk of pregnancy-related deaths for black women is three to four times higher than those of white women.

Data and Statistics

• An Assessment of Severe Maternal Morbidity in Massachusetts 2011-2020 (PDF) | (DOCX), released on July 12, 2023
• Maternal Mortality and Morbidity bibliography | (DOCX)
• Maternal Mental Health & Pregnancy-Associated Deaths (PDF) | (DOCX)
• Substance Use among Pregnancy-Associated Deaths — Massachusetts, 2005–2014 (PDF) | (DOCX)
• 2014 Report: Pregnancy-Associated Mortality, 2000-2007 (PDF) | (DOCX)
• Previous Reports — Older than 2014

Additional Resources

CDC Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Initiative ideal membership

MMMR Committee application