Maternal Morbidity and Mortality Environmental Scan 

Maternal morbidity and mortality have been identified as primary indicators of women’s health and quality of healthcare globally. As of 2018, the U.S. rate for maternal mortality is 17.4 maternal deaths (per 100,000 live births), which is much higher than other high-income countries, with more than 700 women dying annually from pregnancy-related causes. Measurement focused efforts to improve maternal outcomes have been gradual, starting with maternal mortality measurement in the U.S. Although not all causes of the rising rates of maternal morbidity and mortality are clear, it is evident that racial disparities are pervasive. This environmental scan describes the methodology and findings to identify definitions, risk factors, processes, and innovations relevant to maternal morbidity and mortality care delivery and measurement. The results of the environmental scan will be used to produce two measurement frameworks, and to identify gaps in maternal morbidity and mortality measurement.