Most maternal deaths are preventable!
Read this January 12, 2026 Minnesota Department of Health news release titled Five years of data confirms most maternal deaths are preventable that “calls for Minnesota to prevent deaths by addressing lack of access to care, disconnected care and a lack of follow-up, as well as needed additional emotional, physical and mental health support before and after pregnancy”.
According to the MDH, “The report focuses on recommendations for preventing future maternal deaths. Several key actions are noted, including providing more follow-up and support to families after pregnancy; improving access to basic needs like housing and transportation; strengthening mental health support before, during and after pregnancy; incorporating care that responds to cultural considerations; better referrals for people in crisis and new policy initiatives”.
You can read the full Minnesota Maternal Mortality Report – 2017 -2021 here. We recognize the tribute that the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and members of the Maternal Mortality Review Committee made, acknowledging the 162 people who died while pregnant or within one year of their pregnancy during 2017-2021. We acknowledge that the loss of each one of these people left a profound impact on their families and on their communities and recognize that many of these deaths could have been prevented.
As Minnesota midwives, we are dedicated to fostering evidence-based patient-centered care, preventing poor outcomes and reducing health disparities, especially when it pertains to maternal mortality and morbidity. Each year the Minnesota Affiliate of ACNM holds an annual interdisciplinary conference, the Optimal Outcomes: Perinatal, Reproductive and Sexual Health Conference in Minneapolis, which brings together over 200 midwives, nurses, advanced practice providers, physicians, doulas, students, and others to learn together with the goal of reducing disparities and facilitating optimal outcomes for our clients and our communities.
The Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) POST-BIRTH Warning Signs Toolkit along with their educational sessions for nurses and obstetrical providers help equip care providers with strategies to educate patients and families on recognizing warning signs and reducing the risk of postpartum complications. Patient handouts, resources for clinicians, and the tool-kit can be found at the link above.