Childbirth Is Still Dangerous in America — Maternal Mortality Is 6 Times Higher Than the Netherlands
The U.S. maternal mortality rate is 23.8 per 100,000 live births — far higher than peer countries. Here's why.
Childbirth Is Still Dangerous in America — Maternal Mortality Is 6 Times Higher Than the Netherlands
The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate among high-income countries. A woman giving birth in America is nearly six times more likely to die than one giving birth in the Netherlands.
According to OECD data, the U.S. maternal mortality rate is 23.8 deaths per 100,000 live births. The Netherlands reports 1.2. France reports 7.6. The UK reports 5.5. Japan reports 2.7.
From 2018 to 2022, the U.S. rate increased from 17.4 to 33.6 — a 93 percent jump.
For related coverage on healthcare access and cost, see our article on why Americans pay for insurance and still get hit with medical bills.
Why the U.S. Rate Is So High
Multiple factors drive America's maternal mortality crisis. Racial disparities are stark: non-Hispanic Black individuals have a pregnancy-related death rate 2.6 times higher than white individuals. Indigenous individuals experience rates 2.4 times higher.
Access to care is fragmented. In 2022, 51.2 percent of U.S. births were covered by private insurance, 41.3 percent by Medicaid, and 4.1 percent were uninsured. Medicaid coverage often expires 60 days postpartum, leaving many women without care during the critical postpartum period.
Abortion restrictions also play a role. When treatment options are limited, risks multiply — particularly for patients with complex medical conditions or life-threatening pregnancy complications.
For more on America's healthcare system, read our coverage of why giving birth is more dangerous in America.
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