Alabama is the “most dangerous” state in the country to be pregnant or give birth in, according to a new report.
Alabama’s maternal mortality rate is 65 deaths per 100,000 births, which is nearly double the national rate, according to the report. That rate is even higher — 100 deaths per 100,000 births — for Black Alabamians.
The “Moms Matter” report makes policy recommendations based on that data and anecdotal findings from the organization’s six-city Moms Matter Listening Tour on maternal health. The ACLU of Alabama heard from 145 women across the state, including in-person stops in Selma, Montgomery, Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, Mobile and Anniston.
Findings
The most common challenge Alabama mothers reported was a lack of access to medical services, especially care in rural areas. The report also lists transportation issues and financial instability as barriers that can create unnecessary life-threatening situations.
“For many, simply reaching an appointment was a challenge,” the report said. “Limited or unreliable transportation meant missed prenatal and postpartum visits. Available transportation services often required advance scheduling, something impossible in urgent situations like labor or when experiencing complications.”
The report cites data that found 34% of Alabama’s 67 counties are maternal healthcare deserts. Pregnant Alabamians travel more than 17 miles or 23 minutes to their nearest birthing hospital on average, according to the report.
Women across the state also shared that they were unsure of how to access maternal mental health resources, worsening conditions like postpartum depression.
“Participants reported minimal screening for postpartum depression and inconsistent follow-up,” the report reads. “Those who experienced miscarriage or pregnancy loss described receiving no structured grief support, leaving families to rely solely on informal social networks. Many felt abandoned by the system during their most vulnerable moments.”
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EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Claire Harrison and originally published by Alabama Daily News.
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