Four of five pregnancy-related deaths are preventable, CDC finds

Eighty percent of pregnancy-related deaths, including those caused by opioid overdose, excessive bleeding, heart problems and infections, are preventable, according to a new federal report (Source: “Majority of pregnancy-related deaths can be prevented, CDC says,” WKSU radio via WOSU, Sept. 27).

According to the report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the leading underlying cause of death varied by race and ethnicity. Cardiac and coronary conditions were the leading underlying cause of pregnancy-related deaths among non-Hispanic Black people, mental health conditions were the leading underlying cause for Hispanic and non-Hispanic White people, and hemorrhage was the leading underlying cause for non-Hispanic Asian people.

Earlier this year, the CDC released a report highlighting evidence-informed state strategies for preventing pregnancy-related deaths.