America’s Maternal and Infant Health Crisis Deepens

November 18, 2025

The March of Dimes 2025 Report Card reveals that the United States continues to struggle with preventable maternal and infant health crises, with a national preterm birth rate of 10. 4 percent that disproportionately affects vulnerable populations. Black mothers face the highest preterm birth rate at 14.

Who is affected

Pregnant mothers and infants across the United States, particularly those born preterm
Black mothers (experiencing 14.7% preterm birth rate, the highest of any group)
Native mothers (facing dismissal of concerns during care)
Mothers with Medicaid insurance (11.7% preterm birth rate)
Families in maternity care deserts (hundreds of counties with no obstetric providers or birthing facilities)
Residents of Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, South Carolina, and Georgia (states with failing grades)
Families in cities including Memphis, Detroit, Fresno, Bakersfield, and Washington, D.C.
Residents of Maryland (D+ grade) and Virginia (C- grade)
Low-income families and those with public insurance facing care delays
Mothers losing health insurance shortly after childbirth

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

This matters because preterm birth remains one of the leading causes of infant death and long-term health complications, and the United States has the highest maternal mortality rate among wealthy nations. The crisis reflects systemic failures in healthcare access and equity, with preventable risks leading to tragic outcomes for families. The stark disparities—particularly the fact that Black women face the greatest danger due to delays in care, coverage gaps, and dismissed concerns—demonstrate how structural inequities directly translate into life-or-death consequences. These conditions affect families regardless of region, showing that maternal health failures span urban and rural communities across the entire country.

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: Michigan Chronicle