1. Texas has the highest rate of maternal mortality in the developed world. (Source)
2. In Texas, cardiac events, overdose by licit or illicit prescription drugs, and hypertensive disorders are the leading causes of maternal death. (Source)
3. White women had the highest rates of diagnosed mental illness of any kind (depression as well as other psychological illnesses) in Texas during pregnancy and the puerperium; Black women had the second highest rates. (Source)
4. The best state to have a baby is Vermont and the worst state to have a baby is Mississippi. (Source)
5. Canadian researchers recently published an article stating that maternal mortality is not increasing in the United States because of more chronic health factors, but rather because of improved surveillance and documentation. (Source)
6. 28 women out of 100,000 live births die per year in the United States. These statistics are based on data from 2013, the latest year data is available. (Source)
7. California is the only state where maternal mortality rates have gone down. (Source)
8. Women over 40 experience the greatest severe maternal morbidity factors in New York City and its surrounding areas. (Source)
9. Since maternal mortality and morbidity data is difficult to assess, experts are calling on all states to standardize its data. (Source)

Source List

USA Today
Washington Post
New York Times (1, 2)
Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Task Force and Department of State Health Services: Joint Biennial Report
WalletHub
National Institutes of Health
New York City 2008 – 2012: Severe Maternal Morbidity

Image Courtesy of Uzuri Art.