The New York State Department of Health (DOH) Maternal Mortality Review Board has released a new report, providing a detailed review of maternal deaths across the state between 2018 and 2020. Here are the findings:

Overall, the prevalence of maternal mortality in New York State remains below the national average; however, racial disparities in maternal outcomes unfortunately tell a different story. Nationally, Black mothers die at more than double the rate of White mothers. In New York, Black mothers die at five times the rate of White mothers. Black mothers in New York have a higher prevalence of maternal mortality than the national average.

The state recorded 121 pregnancy-related deaths between 2018 and 2020. The review found that almost 74% of these maternal deaths were preventable. In addition, discrimination was a likely contributing factor in almost half of maternal deaths.

It is imperative that the state continues to take action to eliminate preventable maternal deaths and improve outcomes for women of color, particularly Black women. HCFANY will continue to advocate for interventions to reduce racial disparities and overall mortality of birthing New Yorkers.