Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Rates
Background
Most maternal deaths and severe health outcomes during and after pregnancy are preventable. Our policymakers, researchers, and the public want more attention to this problem. We are working to improve maternal health and prevent maternal deaths in Texas.
At DSHS, we use public health leadership, expertise, experience, and infrastructure to improve mothers' and children's health and well-being. Public health prevention prolongs and saves lives. Examples of public health prevention are:
- Hypertension that never developed;
- An obstetric hemorrhage that did not happen; and
- The maternal death that never occurred.
Public Health Prevention
There are some key public health activities underway to study and improve maternal health in Texas. These efforts can prevent maternal mortality and morbidity. One activity is the Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee (MMMRC).
The MMMRC began its work in late 2014 with support from DSHS. The multidisciplinary review committee:
- Studies and reviews maternal death cases;
- Follows statewide data trends; and
- Makes recommendations impacting maternal mortality in Texas.
Find more information and the latest review committee reports on the Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee webpage.
Find other activities related to maternal health on the Programs & Activities - Maternal and Child Health webpage.
Find more information and statistics on maternal deaths in Texas on the DSHS Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Publications and Presentations webpage.
Contact us for more information or questions:
maternalhealth@dshs.texas.gov or
TitleV@dshs.texas.gov
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