Black maternal mortality gap still persists in U.S.

April 16, 2026

A doctor and a woman talking

(Axios) – Black women remain three times more likely than white and Hispanic women to die from pregnancy-related complications, according to the latest maternal mortality rates released last month by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Why it matters: Advocates fear inconsistent abortion access across the U.S. and anti-DEI efforts by the Trump administration could fuel the continued racial disparities. (Read More)