Native advocates push for role in maternal death reviews amid high mortality rates

Native American and Alaska Native people continue to experience the highest pregnancy-related mortality rates among major demographic groups, according to data cited by KFF Health News. In 2024, they had the highest pregnancy-related mortality ratio, based on the most recent data available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Native leaders and organizations are calling for greater tribal participation in state maternal mortality review committees to better track and prevent deaths.

State maternal mortality review committees examine deaths during pregnancy or within a year after pregnancy and issue recommendations, according to KFF Health News. CDC data from 2021 found that most pregnancy-related deaths among Native American and Alaska Native people were preventable. Native leaders said including tribal perspectives, sovereignty and traditional knowledge in review processes is critical. Some tribes and organizations are also exploring the creation of tribal or regional review committees, according to the report.