TEXAS — Texas’ maternal mortality rate rose sharply in 2020 and 2021. 

The Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee released its report this month that analyzed pregnancy-related deaths within one year of childbirth. There were 17.2 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2019. That rate shot up to 27.7 in 2020 and 37.7 in 2021. That’s the highest since the state started tracking maternal deaths a decade ago. The report found there was still a sharp increase even when excluding COVID-related deaths.

Rep. Donna Howard, D-Austin, called the results alarming. 

“The most recent MMMRC report is deeply concerning and needs to be a wake-up call for anyone concerned about Texas moms and their families,” she said. 

Rep. Howard said she’ll be pushing legislation to further address the issue next session. Click the video link above to watch our full interview with Rep. Howard.