Racial and geographic disparities in maternal morbidity and mortality

Overview

Every expecting Ohioan deserves the opportunity for a healthy pregnancy and a safe delivery. Stark differences in maternal health outcomes signal that not everyone has what they need to live a healthy life before, during and after pregnancy. Two of those outcomes —maternal morbidity and mortality — show clear disparities by race and geography in Ohio.

With collaboration from both public and private partners, it is possible to reduce severe maternal morbidity and mortality and improve health outcomes for Ohioans. Policymakers and other stakeholders can implement evidence-based strategies to ensure that parents and babies in Ohio are healthy and thriving.

Outline

This fact sheet outlines:

• The drivers of maternal morbidity and mortality
• Which Ohioans have the highest rates of maternal morbidity and mortality
• What works to reduce disparities in maternal morbidity and mortality

3 Key findings for policymakers

• Access to high-quality prenatal care is essential for healthy pregnancies and births.
• Long-term, toxic stress can create health problems that impact pregnancy.
• Strategies exist to decrease disparities in maternal morbidity and mortality, and improve outcomes.

HPIO resources

• Health equity
• Social drivers of health
• Child health and infant mortality