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New Insights Into Maternal Health Vulnerabilities Across the U.S.

In a poignant release from Surgo Health, the updated Maternal Vulnerability Index (MVI) is shedding light on where women in the U.S. face the greatest risks associated with pregnancy. The MVI, which analyzes 43 indicators across six crucial areas—reproductive healthcare, physical health, mental health and substance abuse, general healthcare, socioeconomic conditions, and physical environment—has mapped maternal risk down to local levels, presenting an alarming view of maternal health in America amid changing political and healthcare landscapes.

As the Trump Administration paused data collection for the vital Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System, the need for clear, localized data has become more urgent than ever. Surgo Health’s findings suggest that the consequences of severe abortion restrictions and Medicaid cuts are disproportionately affecting women in rural areas. With a score ranging from 0 (least at risk) to 100 (most at risk), every county in the United States is ranked, indicating how local policies and resources can impact maternal health outcomes.

Major Findings from the Maternal Vulnerability Index

Surgo Health has identified maternal red flag zones in each region of the country, illustrating where women are most vulnerable. Here are some key insights:

• - In the South, 439 counties have been classified as maternal red flag zones, with over 2.5 million women of reproductive age affected. Shelby County, Tennessee stands out with nearly 194,000 women at risk.

• - The Midwest sees major vulnerabilities in urban centers rather than rural areas, highlighting Wayne County, Michigan and Marion County, Indiana as critical locations for intervention, with combined populations of 566,232 women at risk.

• - Analysis from the West indicates California’s Central Valley as a significant hot spot for maternal risk, with 11 counties harboring a staggering 58% of vulnerable women in the region.

• - In the Northeast, metropolitan areas like Philadelphia and the Bronx also show alarming figures, containing about two-thirds of the region’s at-risk population.

These figures paint a stark picture of maternal health in the U.S. and challenge prevailing assumptions that reproductive care shortages are solely racial issues, emphasizing the role of geographical and socio-economic factors.

Understanding the Vulnerability

The Maternal Vulnerability Index reveals not just who is at risk, but why. It indicates that many women face barriers related to transportation, hospital access, and socio-economic disadvantages, all of which can compound challenges during pregnancy. As systemic inequalities persist, decisions made by policymakers could inadvertently exacerbate these vulnerabilities.

Dr. Sema Sgaier, Co-Founder and CEO of Surgo Health, emphasized that without comprehensive and current data, communities cannot adequately advocate for or receive the support they need. "When federal data systems go dark, communities pay the price and decisions get made without the evidence needed to protect those who are most vulnerable," she stated.

The Wider Implications

The MVI presents a timely reminder of the complexities surrounding maternal health in light of recent legal shifts concerning reproductive rights. With the recent Supreme Court's decisions reshaping access to abortion, the overall risk for pregnant women has escalated, especially in states where restrictions have tightened significantly.

Furthermore, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 threatens to increase the uninsured population by over six million, jeopardizing more rural hospitals already nearing closures. Such changes add unfathomable stress to healthcare infrastructure, highlighting the urgency of targeted interventions in the areas identified by the MVI.

In conclusion, as Surgo Health continues to disclose data that can drive action, it becomes crucial for states, localities, and healthcare systems to prioritize community-specific strategies. Reducing maternal health risks not only bolsters the health of women and families but ultimately shapes the well-being of entire communities across the nation. For those eager for deeper insights, the full report is available on Surgo Health’s website.