Maternal Mortality in NYC and Long Island

Posted March 18, 2025

An Urgent Call to Action.

Maternal mortality remains a pressing concern in New York City (NYC) and Long Island, reflecting broader national challenges. Despite ongoing efforts, recent data underscores the need for intensified interventions to safeguard maternal health.

Current Statistics and Racial Disparities

From 2018 to 2020, New York State reported an average maternal mortality rate of 18.5 deaths per 100,000 live births, slightly below the national average. However, stark racial disparities persist: Black, non-Hispanic women in New York State faced a maternal mortality rate over four times higher than their White, non-Hispanic counterparts during this period. 

In NYC, the pregnancy-associated mortality ratio has remained steady since 2001, but unjust and avoidable inequities continue. From 2016 to 2020, Black, non-Hispanic women and birthing people were four times more likely to die of a pregnancy-associated cause and six times more likely to die of a pregnancy-related cause compared with White, non-Hispanic women and birthing people.

Contributing Factors

Several factors contribute to maternal deaths in NYC and Long Island:

• Systemic Racism and Discrimination: A significant proportion of maternal deaths are linked to discriminatory practices within healthcare settings, leading to inadequate care for marginalized groups. 
• Chronic Health Conditions: Pre-existing conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease increase pregnancy-related risks.
• Access to Care: Disparities in access to quality prenatal and postpartum care, particularly among communities of color, exacerbate maternal health outcomes.

Initiatives and Recommendations

To combat these challenges, several measures have been proposed:

• Policy Reforms: Decriminalizing substance use and expanding harm reduction services to support affected individuals. 
• Support Services: Investing in free doula care, supportive housing, peer support, and community-based harm reduction centers, especially in underserved communities. 
• Healthcare Training: Implementing anti-racism training for healthcare providers to ensure equitable and respectful care for all patients.

Local Community Resources Advocating Against Disparities

Several organizations in NYC and Long Island are actively working to address these disparities:

• Perinatal and Infant Community Health Collaboratives (PICHC): This initiative supports community-based efforts to improve health outcomes and reduce racial, ethnic, and economic disparities affecting maternal and infant health. 
• Maternal Justice Coalition of Long Island (MJC): MJC champions equitable maternal healthcare by driving systemic change, increasing awareness of health disparities, empowering marginalized voices, and fostering a supportive network to ensure safe, informed, and respectful care from preconception through postpartum. citeturn0search7
• Maternity Hospital Quality Improvement Network: This NYC initiative collaborates with maternity hospitals to prevent and reduce disparities in maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity. 

Conclusion

The persistent maternal mortality rates in NYC and Long Island, coupled with pronounced racial disparities, highlight the urgency for comprehensive strategies. Addressing systemic inequities, enhancing access to quality care, and implementing targeted support services are crucial steps toward ensuring the health and well-being of all mothers in our communities.

At Mommy2Bee, we are committed to supporting and empowering mothers through education, advocacy, and personalized care.

Sources:

• New York State Department of Health Press Release on Maternal Mortality Statistics
• NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Maternal Mortality Annual Report 
• Perinatal and Infant Community Health Collaboratives (PICHC) 
• Maternal Justice Coalition of Long Island (MJC) 
• Maternity Hospital Quality Improvement Network