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Tennessee's maternal mortality rate tops the nation's, and nearby counties are maternity care deserts
Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births: Tennessee's 2023 rate topped the U.S. rate
Source: WATE 6 On Your Side
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| Value | |
|---|---|
| Tennessee | 28 |
| U.S. | 19 |
If you're expecting, or know someone who is, these numbers are worth knowing. In 2023, Tennessee's maternal mortality rate was 28 women per 100,000 live births, compared with 19 for the U.S., according to a state report. Both rates were down from 2021 and 2022 but up from 2018.
Danielle Branch of the Tennessee Justice Center told News Channel 11 that maternity care deserts, counties without hospitals or obstetric clinicians, are one of the biggest factors. Hawkins, Scott, Morgan and Grainger are among the Tennessee counties affected. The group's dashboard lists Fentress, Union and Hancock as well. Residents often have to travel outside their county for care.
- Statewide pregnancy-related death rate, 2023: 41 per 100,000 live births
- Top cause, Branch said: substance abuse
- Women are often eligible for TennCare because they're pregnant
- The Tennessee Justice Center helps with TennCare applications
The East Grand Division's pregnancy-related rate doubled largely because of more substance-use deaths and changes in how overdose deaths are classified, the state report said.
66pregnancy-related deaths per 100,000 live births, 2021 to 2023
That's the East Grand Division's rate, up from 33 in 2018 to 2020, the state report said.
Source: WATE 6 On Your Side
