MATERNAL MORTALITY
During the past several decades, there has been a
dramatic decrease in maternal mortality in the United
States. Since 1980, however, the rate of decline has
slowed.
In 1999, there were 391 maternal deaths which resulted
from complications during pregnancy, childbirth, or
the postpartum period.
The maternal mortality rate for black women (25.4
per 100,000 live births) is more than 3.5 times the
rate for white women (6.8 per 100,00 live births).
According to the National Center for Health Statistics,
regardless of race, the risk of maternal death increases
for women over age 30. Women 35-39 years old have
approximately twice the risk of maternal death than
those aged 20-24 years.
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