U.S. maternal mortality rate increased 27% over five years, NIH study finds

A new U.S. government paper documenting an increase in maternal mortality from 2018 to 2022 does not hedge in its conclusion, calling the issue “an urgent public health priority.” That it was published amid massive job and funding cuts at federal health agencies charged with reducing these deaths has not escaped notice.

A week ago, much of the department tasked with monitoring and improving maternal and child health at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was placed on leave, while some researchers who study maternal mortality have had their funding rescinded. 

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