Maternal mortality rates considered crisis in US, especially for Black women

[KSTP-TV News, April 25, 2021] Maternal mortality rates are being considered a crisis in the United States. 

Vice President Kamala Harris is calling for urgent action as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report Black women in the U.S. are three times more likely to die while giving birth.

Dr. Lisa Saul, president of the Mother and Baby Clinical Service Line for Allina Health said while Minnesota has fewer maternal deaths than the national average, disparities still exist when it comes to race.

"We rank very well compared to the rest of the nation in overall mortality, but when we break down the mortality statistics by race, African American women still have a higher rate of mortality compared to the percentage they represent in the state," Saul said.