The brief highlights differences in severe maternal morbidity by age, race and ethnicity, insurance coverage, income, geography, and type of hospital. It also identifies opportunities to strengthen maternal health through improved data collection, continuous insurance coverage during pregnancy and postpartum, stronger regional referral networks, and better coordination between obstetric and primary care services. For state and public health leaders, the findings provide important considerations for improving maternal care systems and identifying opportunities to prevent serious pregnancy-related complications.

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For state and public health leaders, the findings provide important considerations for improving maternal care systems and identifying opportunities to prevent serious pregnancy-related complications.

Learn More: Beyond Maternal Morbidity: How Severe Morbidity Reveals Policy Gaps in Maternal Care