Solving the U.S. Black Maternal Health Crisis Could Save Lives and Dollars

A new McKinsey Institute for Economic Mobility report reveals that improving Black maternal and newborn health could save over 3,100 Black mothers and 35,000 Black infants while generating $25 billion in economic benefits and $385 million in healthcare savings. Despite the United States having poor maternal mortality rates compared to other industrialized nations, with Black women 2-4 times more likely to die in childbirth than white women, most pregnancy-related deaths remain preventable. The report recommends several key changes including better measurement systems, culturally competent healthcare training, addressing chronic conditions, eliminating maternal care deserts, and increasing access to specialized care providers like midwives and doulas.