US Faces Maternal and Infant Health Crisis with D+ Grade

The United States continues to grapple with a significant maternal and infant health crisis, receiving a D+ grade in the 2025 March of Dimes Report Card. This marks the fourth consecutive year at this historically low level, with the national preterm birth rate remaining at a concerning 10.4%. This figure translates to nearly 380,000 babies born preterm in 2024, which equates to approximately 1 in 10 births. The sobering data, released on November 17, 2025, highlights persistent inequities and rising health risks within the healthcare system.

Racial disparities in maternal and infant health are particularly alarming. The preterm birth rate for babies born to Black mothers has surged to 14.7%, nearly 1.5 times higher than the overall rate. Babies born to mothers covered by Medicaid face even greater challenges, with a preterm birth rate of 11.7%, compared to 9.6% for those with private insurance. These statistics underscore the urgent need for systemic reform in maternal health policies.

Declining Prenatal Care and Rising Chronic Conditions

The report indicates a troubling decline in access to prenatal care, with 24.5% of pregnant individuals not beginning care during the first trimester. This marks the fourth consecutive year of decline in early prenatal care initiation. Additionally, chronic health conditions among pregnant individuals are on the rise, with preexisting hypertension increasing by 6% and diabetes by 8% this year. Both conditions are well-known risk factors for preterm births.

Despite these challenges, the infant mortality rate has remained unchanged at 5.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, with over 20,000 babies losing their lives before their first birthday in 2023. Dr. Michael Warren, Chief Medical and Health Officer at March of Dimes, expressed frustration over the stagnation in progress. He emphasized that the ongoing disparities and unchanged national rates reflect a failure to adequately address known risk factors, such as previous preterm births and unequal access to care.

Confronting Systemic Inequities

Cindy Rahman, President and CEO of March of Dimes, pointed out that the report indicates a lack of progress in addressing crucial areas of maternal and infant health. She stated, “Our country is stuck in a maternal and infant health crisis where too many families are being forgotten.” Rahman called for immediate action to confront the systemic inequities that disproportionately affect families of color and those covered by Medicaid.

To address these issues, March of Dimes is implementing a multipronged strategy aimed at reducing preterm birth rates. This includes expanding its Prematurity Research Centers and launching new collaborative efforts in Texas. The organization also operates Mom & Baby Mobile Health Centers®, which provide vital prenatal and postpartum care in underserved communities.

March of Dimes is advocating for critical policy changes, such as the Preventing Maternal Deaths Act to ensure funding for Maternal Mortality Review Committees, as well as reauthorization of the PREEMIE Act to secure federal investment in research and data related to maternal and infant health. Additionally, the organization aims to expand Medicaid postpartum coverage, increase access to doulas and midwives, and strengthen telehealth services, particularly in rural areas.

The 2025 March of Dimes Report Card serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in maternal and infant health across the United States. While the nation remains entrenched in a dangerous status quo, March of Dimes is committed to advancing research, enhancing access to care, and lobbying for policies that prioritize the health of mothers and their babies.

Since 2009, March of Dimes has published its annual Report Card to evaluate maternal and infant health in the United States, examining indicators such as preterm birth rates, prenatal care access, and mortality statistics. The complete 2025 Report Card, which includes detailed state-by-state and city-level data, is available at marchofdimes.org/reportcard.