The six‑year study at two Arizona hospitals found Native American mothers had the highest rates of life‑threatening childbirth complications, with a statistically significant ~5x increase. Among 1,554 Native births reviewed, 64 involved severe maternal morbidity (about 4.1%). Researchers will next investigate age, prenatal care access, socioeconomic factors, and comorbidities to explain the disparity, which mirrors national trends of elevated maternal mortality among Native people.
Study Finds Native Mothers In Arizona Have Highest Rate Of Life‑Threatening Birth Complications — Fivefold Rise Over Six Years
Native Mothers in Arizona Have Highest Rate of Life-Threatening Complications
A six‑year analysis of births at two hospitals serving Arizona's East Valley found that Native American mothers experienced the highest rates of life‑threatening childbirth complications of any demographic group included in the study. Researchers report that Native patients were the only group to show a statistically significant increase in severe maternal morbidity, rising roughly fivefold over the study period.
Study Details
Investigators reviewed birth records from two hospitals and examined 1,554 births among Native patients. Of those, 64 deliveries involved severe maternal morbidity — life‑threatening complications occurring during pregnancy, labor, or the postpartum period (about 4.1% of the Native births in the sample).
What Remains Unclear
The study did not identify a single cause for the rise in life‑threatening complications. Researchers say the next phase will analyze possible drivers of the disparity, including maternal age, access to prenatal care, socioeconomic factors, and preexisting medical conditions (comorbidities).
Broader Context And Causes
These local findings reflect national trends: Native people in the United States suffer the highest maternal mortality rates among demographic groups. Mental health conditions and infections are reported among the leading causes of death for Native mothers, and recent research indicates that the vast majority of such deaths are preventable.
Access And Policy Concerns
Advocates stress that restricted or fragmented access to care continues to have dire consequences for Native families. In 2024, advocates reported that 75% of pregnant Native people lacked access to Indian Health Service (IHS) facilities to give birth — even though the IHS is a federal commitment to provide health care to Native communities. The authors and advocates are calling for targeted investigation and policy action to address access gaps and preventable causes.
Next Steps: Researchers will pursue deeper analysis to identify the specific factors driving the disparity so that interventions can be developed to reduce preventable maternal harm.
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