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The State of Maternal and Infant Health in the U.S.

In a distressing revelation, the United States continues to struggle with maternal and infant health issues, as highlighted by the latest 2025 March of Dimes Report Card. The country has received a D+ for the fourth consecutive year, reflecting serious systemic problems in the sector. The report's findings are alarming, with a preterm birth rate of 10.4%, meaning that approximately 380,000 babies were born too soon in 2024, amounting to nearly one in every ten births.

Key Findings

The data points to worsening health disparities and significant risks affecting maternal and child health. For instance, the rate of preterm births escalates to 14.7% among babies born to black mothers, which is almost 1.5 times higher than the general population. Moreover, babies born to mothers who relied on Medicaid faced preterm birth rates of 11.7%, compared to 9.6% for those with private insurance, highlighting the inequities in access to healthcare.

The report also indicates a decline in prenatal care, with 24.5% of pregnant women failing to begin care in the first trimester for the fourth year in a row. This reduction in early prenatal visits is compounded by an increase in chronic conditions among pregnant individuals; hypertension rose by 6% and diabetes by 8% this year, both recognized risk factors for premature births.

Stagnation in Infant Mortality Rates

Despite ongoing efforts for improvement, the infant mortality rate remains unchanged at 5.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, indicating that over 20,000 infants died before their first birthday in 2023. As Dr. Michael Warren, the chief medical and health officer of March of Dimes, points out, the persistence of these issues is both frustrating and unacceptable.

An Unfolding Crisis

In light of these statistics, Cindy Rahman, the organization’s CEO, emphasizes that the U.S. is entrenched in a maternal and infant health crisis that neglects too many families. She speaks to the urgent need to tackle systemic inequities that particularly endanger families of color and those covered by Medicaid. The focus should be on improving early access to prenatal care and addressing the increasing burden of chronic illnesses.

State Comparisons

The report also highlights state-level disparities. While 19 states made improvements led by South Dakota (10% decrease), 21 states witnessed a worsening of conditions, identifying states like Washington, Michigan, and Louisiana as particularly problematic. D.C. saw the most considerable uptick at 8%.

Continuing Challenges

Although maternal mortality has decreased to 18.6 deaths per 100,000 live births, this improvement does not reflect equal scenarios across racial lines. Black, Native American, and Pacific Islander mothers still experience mortality rates two to three times higher than their white counterparts, with 30,000 facing serious complications annually.

Comprehensive Solutions Required

March of Dimes has initiated multiple strategies to confront rising premature births. This includes expanding Premature Birth Research Centers and launching Mobile Health Centers designed to deliver prenatal and postpartum care directly within communities with limited access to maternal health services. They advocate for essential policies such as the Maternal Mortality Prevention Act, which aims to secure funding for maternal mortality review committees, and the renewal of the Prematurity Act to upsurge federal investment in vital research.

Looking Forward

Despite the disheartening news from the 2025 Report Card, March of Dimes remains steadfast in its commitment to research, accessible care, and advocacy aimed at fortifying policies to protect mothers and infants across the nation. The organization underscores that every parent and child deserves a healthy start, and through collective efforts, it aims to change the current trajectory of maternal and infant health in the U.S. This comprehensive approach is essential if the country hopes to improve its standing in one of the most critical areas affecting families across all communities.

For access to the complete report with state-specific data and insights, visit marchofdimes.org/reportcard.