Pregnancy-related deaths in the U.S. surged nearly 28% between 2018 and 2022, with stark disparities across race, age, and geography. A nationwide analysis led by NIH researchers found that American Indian and Alaska Native women had the highest death rates—106.3 per 100,000 live births—followed by Black women at 76.9. These rates were 3.8 and 2.8 times higher than those of white women.The largest spike occurred in 2021, driven disproportionately by women ages 25 to 39. Cardiovascular disorders were the leading cause of death, but late maternal deaths—occurring between 42 days and one year postpartum—were often linked to cancer, mental health…
Author: Disparity Matters
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has terminated a Biden-era settlement that aimed to address severe sanitation issues in Lowndes County, Alabama. Announced on April 11, 2025, the decision follows President Donald Trump’s Executive Order 14151, which prohibits federal agencies from pursuing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, including those related to environmental justice. The settlement, initially established in March 2023, required the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) to prioritize septic and wastewater management systems for properties at high risk of exposure to raw sewage.The program, funded with $3.5 million in federal resources, was implemented by the Black Belt Unincorporated…
Federal funding cuts to dementia research at UC Davis will have significant impacts on minority communities already experiencing higher rates of the disease. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recently canceled a nearly $36 million research project led by Dr. Charles DeCarli, one of the country’s top dementia researchers.The NIH terminated the project in March, claiming it perpetuated a “DEI agenda.” In their termination letter, they stated that “research programs based primarily on artificial and non-scientific categories, including amorphous equity objectives, are antithetical to scientific inquiry.”This decision ignores the stark health disparities in dementia rates across racial and ethnic groups.…
A new study reveals that Alabama has the highest rate of maternal deaths in the United States, with 59.7 deaths per 100,000 live births. Mississippi follows closely behind. In contrast, California’s rate is less than a third of Alabama’s, at 18.5. Researchers estimate that if the national rate matched California’s, nearly 2,700 pregnancy-related deaths could have been prevented over five years.The study, published in JAMA Network Open, examined CDC data from 2018 to 2022, focusing on maternal health complications during pregnancy and up to a year after delivery. Alarmingly, nearly one-third of maternal deaths occurred more than six weeks postpartum—a…
Black mothers and infants in Montgomery County, Maryland are experiencing significantly worse health outcomes compared to other racial groups, according to a recently released report from the Office of Legislative Oversight. The report reveals that Black women face a maternal morbidity rate that is 54 percent higher than the countywide average.Despite Montgomery County being considered one of the healthiest counties in the United States, the disparities remain stark. Black women represent less than 20 percent of the Maryland county’s population and account for about one-fifth of all births, yet they make up nearly 40 percent of cesarean deliveries—a procedure that…
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains a pressing health issue in the United States, disproportionately impacting Black Americans. Despite medical advancements over the decades, which have transformed HIV from a death sentence to a manageable condition, significant disparities continue to affect minority communities. Black Americans accounted for 37% of new HIV diagnoses in 2022, underscoring the challenges they face in accessing healthcare and preventive measures.Young Black Americans, particularly those aged 13 to 24, bear the brunt of this crisis, comprising half of all new HIV diagnoses among youth nationwide. This rate is nearly double the rates seen in Hispanic and Latino…
A large study examining nearly 2 million patients has revealed striking disparities in uterine fibroid diagnosis rates across racial and ethnic groups, with Black women facing diagnosis rates approximately three times higher than their White counterparts.Research scientist Susanna Mitro from Kaiser Permanente Division of Research discussed findings that also showed elevated rates among Hispanic patients and notable differences within Asian populations. South Asian patients had 71% higher diagnosis rates compared to White patients, while East Asian patients showed 47% higher rates and Southeast Asian patients 29% higher rates.The research fills an important gap since previous studies largely focused on Black…
Black, Hispanic, and Asian women are being diagnosed with uterine fibroids at significantly higher rates than their White counterparts, according to a large study discussed by research scientist Susanna Mitro, PhD. Drawing on data from nearly 2 million patients in an integrated health system, the study found diagnosis rates were about three times higher for Black patients than for White patients, reinforcing earlier work that has long signaled disproportionate fibroid burden in Black communities.The disparities did not stop there. Hispanic patients also experienced slightly elevated diagnosis rates compared with White patients, while Asian patients showed striking internal differences that upend…
A recent study published in Pediatrics highlights significant disparities in the evaluation of nonaccidental trauma (NAT) in emergency departments. The research, led by Dr. Arianne L. Baker and colleagues, reveals that racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic biases can lead to both under- and overevaluation of children for NAT. These biases contribute to inequities in the reporting and treatment of child abuse cases.The study emphasizes that children from minority and low-income backgrounds are disproportionately affected by these biases. Emergency department clinicians often face challenges in distinguishing between accidental and nonaccidental injuries, especially when the child’s history is unclear. This gray area can…
A recent study published in PLOS One reveals a significant increase in the number of people dying at home from ischemic stroke, with notable disparities affecting Black Americans and rural residents. The research, conducted by Georgetown University Medical Center and the University of Washington, analyzed data from 1999 to 2020 and found that home deaths from stroke rose from 8.44% to 29.31%, while deaths in medical facilities decreased from 46.41% to 29.56%. The study highlights that individuals in rural communities and Black Americans are more likely to die in less specialized care environments, such as nursing homes or long-term care…