America’s Maternal and Infant Health Crisis Deepens

November 21, 2025

The March of Dimes' 2025 Report Card reveals that the United States continues to struggle with a 10. 4 percent national preterm birth rate, with stark disparities affecting Black mothers at 14. 7 percent—the highest rate among all demographic groups.

Who is affected

Pregnant mothers and infants across the United States, particularly Black mothers (14.7% preterm birth rate) and Native mothers
Medicaid-insured mothers (11.7% preterm birth rate)
Families living in maternity care deserts (hundreds of counties without obstetric providers or birthing facilities)
Residents of Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, South Carolina, and Georgia
Mothers in cities including Memphis, Detroit, Fresno, Bakersfield, and Washington, D.C.
Women with unmanaged chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes
Millions of women who lose health insurance shortly after childbirth
Low-income families with public insurance facing care delays

What action is being taken

The March of Dimes is operating mobile health centers
The organization is running NICU Family Support programs
The March of Dimes is partnering with hospitals to improve maternal and infant care

Why it matters

Preterm birth remains one of the leading causes of infant death and long-term health complications in the United States. The U.S. has the highest maternal mortality rate among wealthy nations, with American women dying from pregnancy-related causes at rates far exceeding peer countries. These preventable tragedies disproportionately impact Black and Native mothers due to systemic barriers including delayed care, insurance coverage gaps, and dismissed medical concerns. The disparities reflect deep-rooted inequities in healthcare access, with outcomes largely determined by income level, insurance type, geographic location, and race—meaning families' chances of a healthy pregnancy depend on factors beyond their control rather than universal access to quality care.

What's next

The March of Dimes is calling for investment in maternal mortality review committees
Advocacy for research funding through the PREEMIE Act
Push for nationwide adoption of extended Medicaid postpartum coverage

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint