Pathways
Maternal and Child HealthMechanisms for Advancing Health EquityMechanisms for Advancing Public Health
Law and Policy Pathways to Equity in Birth Outcomes
September 24, 2020
Overview
Every year, nearly 4 million women give birth in the United States. While most of these births are without significant complications, nearly 50,000 women a year suffer life-threatening pregnancy and birth complications, and more than 700 women die. There are significant disparities in maternal morbidity and mortality, with higher rates among Black and American Indian/Alaska Native women.
This guide provides an at-a-glance overview of key law and policy measures that can help alleviate these disparities and assure that conditions for optimal birth outcomes are present for all.
