The Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee released its biennial report on Friday, showing that the state’s maternal mortality ratio dropped to 20.5 deaths per 100,000 births in 2024. That figure is a decline from the 23.5 recorded in 2021 and brings the rate back to the level seen before the pandemic.
Key findings
More than three‑quarters of the deaths in both 2021 and 2024 were deemed preventable, though the preventable share slipped slightly from 80% to just over 75%.
Black mothers continue to face the highest risk. In 2024, the pregnancy‑related mortality rate for Black women was 2.4 times that of non‑Hispanic white women. Severe maternal morbidity also rose, from 80.4 to 83.5 per 100,000 births, with Black women experiencing a morbidity rate of 146.2 per 100,000 births—more than double the rate for white women.
Changing causes of death
In 2021, infection was the leading cause of pregnancy‑related deaths. By 2024, mental health disorders had taken that spot, reflecting a growing need for mental‑health resources for expectant and postpartum mothers.
Violence‑related factors, such as suicide or homicide, surged dramatically, rising from 5% of cases in 2021 to 19% in 2024. At the same time, obesity as a contributing factor fell from 63% to 29%. Other major contributors—including chronic health conditions, mental disorders and substance abuse—nearly doubled over the same period.
Insurance and cost considerations
More than half of the women who died were covered by Medicaid, though that share fell modestly from 57% to 53% between the two years. In both 2021 and 2024, 22% of the deaths involved women who paid for care out of pocket.
Political context and response
The report skips individual case reviews for 2022 and 2023, a decision the Texas Department of State Health Services says was made to avoid falling further behind in data collection. The agency denied that the timing was influenced by the recent election or the 2025 law giving agencies more leeway in reporting.
Women’s health advocates argued the delay was politically motivated, limiting lawmakers’ ability to craft legislation before the upcoming legislative session. Democrats have already filed bills aimed at improving Black maternal health and expanding mental‑health services.
Committee recommendations
Of the 11 recommendations, most mirror those from the 2024 report. New priorities include expanding access to critical resources such as clinical trials and improving coordination of care for women with chronic or high‑risk conditions. The committee also urges greater engagement with Black communities to address healthcare disparities and calls for increased mental‑health services, especially for women experiencing pregnancy loss or substance‑use disorders.
These findings underscore the importance of continued investment in maternal health, mental‑health care, and targeted outreach to the most vulnerable populations across Texas.
Original reporting: Texas Tribune (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
