U.S. Faces Ongoing Maternal and Infant Health Crisis in 2025 Report Card

The March of Dimes has recently published its 2025 Report Card, revealing that the United States has once again received a D+ grade in maternal and infant health. This marks the fourth consecutive year the country has been stuck at this historically low level, with a national preterm birth rate of 10.4%. This statistic translates to approximately 380,000 babies born too soon in 2024, which is a staggering 1 in 10 births.

The persistent inequities and alarming health risks highlighted in this report underscore the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in maternal health policies and Medicaid. Dr. Michael Warren, Chief Medical and Health Officer at March of Dimes, expressed his frustration, stating that despite understanding the known risk factors for preterm birth—such as pre-existing health conditions and limited access to care—the national rate remains stagnant, while disparities worsen. This situation calls for an intensified commitment to research, enhanced maternity care access, and the implementation of more effective policies aimed at protecting mothers and babies.

Decline in Maternal Health

The report reveals an unsettling trend where the preterm birth rates among Black mothers have surged to 14.7%, indicating that these mothers are nearly 1.5 times more likely to have a preterm birth compared to the overall population. Furthermore, babies born to mothers under Medicaid coverage also face higher preterm birth rates at 11.7%, as opposed to 9.6% for those with private insurance. The decrease in prenatal care is alarming, as 24.5% of pregnant individuals did not receive care in the first trimester, a decline for the fourth year in a row.

Furthermore, concerning statistics regarding maternal mortality are also noted, with 18.6 deaths per 100,000 live births reported, bringing the total to 669 deaths and returning to pre-pandemic levels. However, Black, American Indian/Alaska Native, and Pacific Islander mothers are facing mortality rates two to three times higher than their White counterparts, accentuating the racial disparities that continue to plague the system. Over 30,000 mothers endure severe complications each year, highlighting the fragility of maternal health in the U.S.

State-Specific Trends

In terms of state performance, the report indicates varied outcomes. While 19 states showed improvements, a concerning 21 states saw their rates worsen, indicating a lack of uniform progress across the nation. Washington, D.C. even recorded the steepest increase, which raises questions about the effectiveness of existing state-level interventions.

Strategic Initiatives Ahead

To tackle these alarming trends, March of Dimes is actively working on multiple fronts. The organization is expanding its Prematurity Research Centers and launching new Mom-Baby Mobile Health Centers to deliver vital prenatal and postpartum care to underserved communities. Additionally, advocacy efforts are focusing on crucial legislation, including the Preventing Maternal Deaths Act and the PREEMIE Act, to facilitate sustained funding for maternal health initiatives and establish a roadmap for progress in research and care.

Further policy recommendations involve increasing access to doulas and midwives, enhancing telehealth services in rural areas, and addressing systemic racism in healthcare that drives inequality in outcomes for mothers and babies. As March of Dimes continues to push for change, it is critical for the nation to confront these systemic issues head-on, ensuring that every mother and baby receives the care they deserve for a healthy start.

Conclusion

The dire findings in the 2025 March of Dimes Report Card serve as a stark reminder that the United States is still in the grips of a maternal and infant health crisis. Without significant interventions and policy changes, many families are being overlooked, exacerbating existing inequalities in healthcare. It is time for stakeholders to unite in their efforts to create a more equitable and effective maternal healthcare system, ensuring that all mothers and babies receive the best possible start in life.

For those interested in exploring the full report, including state-level data and additional analyses, it is available at marchofdimes.org/reportcard.