Georgia Faces a Maternal Health Crisis as Report Card Reveals F Grade

The March of Dimes, a prominent organization dedicated to the health of mothers and infants, has released its 2025 Report Card revealing alarming data regarding maternal and infant health in Georgia. The state has been awarded an F grade, a reflection of its troubling preterm birth rate which stands at 11.8%. This statistic places Georgia at 45th out of 52 rankings, which include all states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico, underscoring significant challenges faced by the region.

On World Prematurity Day, the report highlights Georgia's struggles, with approximately 14,907 babies born preterm in 2024. This figure has remained consistent since the previous year, indicating a stagnation in improvement. Despite some progress in reducing low-risk cesarean births, the state grapples with a staggering infant mortality rate of 7.0 per 1,000 live births and an inadequate prenatal care rate of 20.6%.

The report exposes stark racial disparities, with Black mothers witnessing a preterm birth rate of 15.1% compared to 10.3% among White mothers. Nationally, the situation is also dire; the U.S. as a whole received a D+ for its preterm birth rates, remaining at its historically lowest grade after four consecutive years. The disparity runs deeper with Medicaid-insured mothers facing a preterm birth rate of 11.7% compared to 9.6% for those with private insurance.

Dr. Michael Warren, Chief Medical and Health Officer at March of Dimes, expressed frustration over the persistent issue in an effort to illuminate the systemic problems contributing to these statistics. He mentioned the known risk factors such as history of preterm birth, chronic conditions, and unequal care access that have not changed over the years.

March of Dimes is taking significant measures to combat the preterm birth crisis. The organization is expanding its Prematurity Research Centers and offering Mom Baby Mobile Health Centers®, which aim to deliver essential prenatal and postpartum care to those in underserved communities. Furthermore, advocacy for the Preventing Maternal Deaths Act is underway, which seeks to ensure funding for maternal health initiatives and legislation that would enhance maternity care access and funding for research.

Tamara Mason, Georgia's Director of Maternal and Child Health Collective Impact, emphasizes the importance of the organization's work within local communities. By meeting families where they are, the March of Dimes aims to simplify the journey towards pregnancy support and resource acquisition, enhancing the prospects for healthy pregnancies and strong beginnings.

To improve maternal health, March of Dimes has introduced initiatives like the Guaranteed Basic Income Program in Atlanta, which offers financial aid to pregnant women to help with essential needs such as food and baby supplies. This pilot program, in collaboration with local organizations, intends to alleviate financial stress and improve health outcomes for both mothers and babies.

Despite the sobering findings in the 2025 Report Card, which showcase a stalling trend in maternal and infant health across the U.S., March of Dimes remains committed to fostering research, enhancing access to care, and advocating for impactful policies. The organization works tirelessly to ensure that families facing challenges are supported throughout their journey.

For further insights, the full March of Dimes 2025 Report Card is available at marchofdimes.org/reportcard. This comprehensive examination offers detailed grading and recommendations, shining a light on opportunities for improvement across the nation.

About March of Dimes

March of Dimes is dedicated to promoting the health of mothers and infants across the globe. The organization has been a pioneer in maternal health advocacy since 1938, prioritizing research, education, and community support to afford every family the chance for the healthiest start possible. For more details, visit marchofdimes.org or nacersano.org.