A new report from the Minnesota Department of Health found that 95% of maternal deaths in the state from 2017 to 2021 were preventable, underscoring urgent gaps in care before and after pregnancy.
The Minnesota Maternal Mortality Report reviewed 162 maternal deaths, including 59 that were directly pregnancy-related. The state’s 2021 pregnancy-related mortality rate was 34.1 deaths per 100,000 live births, slightly above the national average.
The report highlights stark racial disparities. American Indian parents experienced a maternal death rate more than 12 times higher than the state average, while Black parents faced rates more than twice as high.
“Minnesota must act urgently,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Brooke Cunningham, citing lack of access to care, inadequate follow-up and unmet mental health needs as key contributors. Mental health conditions, injury, infection, hemorrhage and cardiomyopathy were the leading causes of death.
The report calls for expanded postpartum support, improved access to housing and transportation, culturally responsive care and stronger mental health services. The findings will guide policy and program changes aimed at preventing future deaths.
Read the full report at health.state.mn.us/people/womeninfants/maternalmortality/matmortreport1721.pdf.
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