Several states are facing backlash over attempts to limit or halt the work of their maternal mortality review committees, which investigate deaths during and after pregnancy. Georgia, Texas, and Idaho are among the states where leaders have taken actions to restrict the work of these committees, often in response to findings related to state policies such as abortion bans and Medicaid expansion.
The maternal mortality rate for U.S. women is significantly higher compared to other high-income countries, with Black women being more than twice as likely to die during or after pregnancy than the national average. Research shows that most of these deaths are preventable.
In some states, conservative efforts to hinder women’s reproductive rights have resulted in political pressure on the MMRCs. Meanwhile, some states like New Mexico are working to protect their committees’ independence to continue their vital work in addressing maternal health disparities.
Despite political pushback, maternal mortality review committees play a crucial role in providing data-driven recommendations to improve maternal health outcomes. Many states have adopted recommendations from these committees, resulting in positive changes such as Medicaid coverage extension and improvements in healthcare protocols.
These committees offer insights that are crucial for informed policymaking, and efforts to disrupt their work can have far-reaching consequences for maternal health in the U.S. It is essential for state officials to support these committees and ensure they have the resources needed to fulfill their mandates. By prioritizing maternal health and addressing the underlying issues contributing to maternal mortality, states can work towards improving outcomes for mothers and babies.
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