Severe Maternal Morbidity by Race and Ethnicity

Severe maternal morbidity is a measure of labor and delivery outcomes that result in adverse short-term and long-term consequences to a woman's health. It is based on 20 indicators as defined by the CDC. In the Finger Lakes region the incidence rate of severe maternal morbidity has generally been increasing but at different rates for mothers of various races and ethnicities. Most notably, the rate among Black non-Latina mothers has increased by 50% since 2012-2014, rising from 96 to 144 per 10,000 deliveries. The rate of severe maternal morbidity for White non-Latina mothers has been increasing but comparatively remains the lowest rate in the Finger Lakes. While the rate for severe maternal morbidity is slightly higher among Latina mothers, the rate has remained fairly stable over time.