The U.S. maternal mortality rate declined by 16.6% between 2022 and 2023, reaching its lowest level since 2018—18.6 deaths per 100,000 live births—according to a February 2025 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This follows a previous sharp decline between 2021 and 2022 when the rate fell from 32.9 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2021 to 22.3 in 2022.

The data shows significant improvements among certain demographic groups. Maternal mortality rates decreased for White and Hispanic women, while the changes observed for Black and Asian women were not statistically significant. However, disparities remain, with Black women experiencing a maternal mortality rate of 50.3 per 100,000 live births—significantly higher than the rates for White (14.5), Hispanic (12.4), and Asian (10.7) women.

This decline in maternal mortality coincides with the first full year following the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision. By the end of 2023, 15 states had either effectively banned abortion or enacted laws protecting preborn children after six weeks’ gestation. Despite concerns that such policies would negatively impact maternal health, the data reflects an overall improvement in outcomes.

In addition to the drop in maternal mortality, the CDC also reports a decline in infant mortality since 2023. These trends highlight important shifts in public health, demonstrating continued progress in maternal and infant care.