Number of Severe Maternal Morbidity Cases

Estimates based on District hospital discharge data. Counts of and rates based on fewer than 10 births are suppressed for privacy reasons. Source: Center for Policy Planning and Evaluation, DC Department of Health Why This Matters Severe Maternal Morbidity (SMM) is a life-threatening health issue, and SMM rates have been rising nationally in recent decades. Several factors contribute to SMM, including individual health risks like maternal age and underlying conditions, as well as socioeconomic and systemic barriers such as unstable housing, lack of access to clinical care, and unresponsiveness from healthcare providers. SMM disproportionately affects people of color, especially Black birthing individuals. Racial inequities in socioeconomic resources and within the healthcare system contribute to these disparities. The District Response Enhancements to District healthcare programs. Medicaid expansion provides greater access to prenatal care, extended postpartum Medicaid coverage for a full year, and reimbursement for doula services through all District programs. For a list of local and national resources on pregnancy and related topics, click here. The paid family leave program provides 12 weeks to bond with a new child or care for a serious health condition, and 2 weeks specifically for prenatal care. The District established the Maternal Mortality Review Committee, which investigates the causes of maternal deaths, including SMM, and develops strategic frameworks to improve maternal health.