According to the CDC, maternal mortality rates are decreasing for most racial and ethnic populations, but there is still an opportunity to reduce rates for Black women. The mortality rate for Black women is more than double that of other racial groups—and the risk is even higher for those living in low-income households or enrolled in Medicaid.

Coverage for using doulas and midwives has helped, but barriers remain.

Continued improvements require:

• Expanding access to health insurance to improve coverage offerings
• Funding community obstetric clinics and providers in maternity care deserts
• Cultivating a diverse talent pipeline for medical education and perinatal providers
• Collecting data to better inform reproductive care strategies