New CDC Vital Signs Report: Women Report Mistreatment During Pregnancy and Delivery

Maternal death rates in the U.S. rose from 2018 to 2021. More than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable. Women from some racial and ethnic minority groups are also more likely to have negative healthcare experiences during pregnancy and delivery that impact the quality of care and health outcomes.

Many women report negative experiences during maternity care, according to a 2023 survey outlined in the latest CDC Vital Signs report. The report emphasizes the need to improve the quality of maternity care and communication between providers and patients to detect potentially life-threatening pregnancy-related complications and ensure healthy mothers and babies. View the full report here.