Missouri ranks 40th in maternal mortality; doctors hope state investment will bring improvement

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Missouri is one of the worst states right now for pregnant women, experts say.

According to the Commonwealth Fund report published last month, the United States has the highest maternal death rate among high-income countries, even after a decline following the COVID-19 pandemic. Within the U.S., Black women face the highest rates of maternal mortality. Alarmingly, over 80% of these deaths are preventable.

There were about 22 maternal deaths for every 100,000 live births in the U.S. in 2022, which is the most recent year with available data, according to CNN Health.

In December 2023, Gov. Mike Parson proposed a $4.3 million state investment aimed at transforming the quality and accessibility of health services for women during pregnancy and postpartum.

Dr. Laine Young-Walker, chair of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Missouri School of Medicine, has initiated a maternal health access program aimed at educating professionals on the treatment of expectant mothers. She highlights that Missouri has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the nation, noting that many of these deaths are preventable.

Young-Walker said multiple factors contribute to maternal mortality, with mental health and substance use being the leading causes.

"There is a reluctance among many providers to treat mental health issues in pregnant and postpartum women due to concerns about the baby's safety," she said. "As a result, women who have a predisposition to depression may be taken off their medications during pregnancy, which can worsen their condition and increase morbidity."

She emphasizes the need for providers to understand that it is possible to treat underlying health issues in mothers while ensuring the safety of their babies.

Nicole Cope, the Senior Project Coordinator for the MU Maternal Health Access Program, stresses that their studies indicate deaths related to mental health disorders and substance abuse in expectant mothers are 100% preventable with proper care.

Kimberly Warden, director of behavioral health at Lutheran Family and Children’s Services, said access to health care services remains a major concern.

"There is not enough funding or support in the region," Warden said.

She also said many mothers or expectant mothers avoid seeking health care services because of the cost.

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