ACOG Statement on NCHS 2022 Maternal Mortality Data

Washington, D.C.-The following is a statement from Verda J. Hicks, MD, FACOG, president of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG):

"The latest data from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) show remarkable decreases in maternal deaths in 2022, suggesting a recovery from the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The huge spike in deaths in 2021 was the culmination of significant maternal health care challenges patients and clinicians faced during that time, including tremendous disruptions in provision of and access to care, slow maternal vaccine uptake, and worsening racial health inequities.

"When comparing maternal deaths in 2022 with data in 2020, there is also a small decrease, but this is likely representative of a return to baseline. This is positive news because we have moved away from pandemic-related, poor maternal health outcomes. It's also sobering because we are reminded, again, that we are nowhere near resolving the issue of maternal mortality, particularly when trying to close the gap on health care disparities.

"One factor that could exacerbate matters is the worsening state of reproductive health care since the Dobbs decision. Abortion care is an essential component of maternal health care. ACOG remains concerned about a potential increase in maternal deaths in states where pregnant people are unable to access care, especially given the tragic reports of maternal morbidities that have resulted from untreated pregnancy complications. When treating pregnancy complications, abortion care can be lifesaving, and withholding that care unquestionably compromises patient lives and outcomes.

"This is why the work of maternal mortality review committees remains critical, as they comprehensively review maternal deaths and look at the contributing factors, such as access issues, that are key to identifying and implementing actionable solutions.

"As part of ACOG's long-standing policy work to improve maternal health outcomes, we have recently advocated for continued support for maternal mortality review committees by endorsing the bipartisan Preventing Maternal Deaths Reauthorization Act of 2023, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives in March. ACOG has also endorsed the Rural Obstetrics Readiness Act, which was introduced this year and would bolster rural health care by providing funding and training programs to better equip clinicians in hospitals and nonobstetric settings to respond to obstetric emergencies.

"These latest data from NCHS are one component of the complex data sources when looking at national maternal health trends, and ACOG will use them along with other data to inform strategies to eliminate preventable maternal deaths."