Texas Receives D Grade in Maternal and Infant Health
March of Dimes has released its 2025 Report Card, and Texas finds itself with a D grade, reflecting its preterm birth rate of 11.1%. This places the state at 40th out of 52 entities, including all states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. The Report Card, published annually on World Prematurity Day, is a comprehensive assessment of maternal and infant health across the nation, evaluating critical factors such as access to maternity care and preterm birth statistics.
The Current Situation in Texas
In the previous year, Texas recorded 43,344 preterm births. This figure remained stable compared to the previous year, indicating persistent issues in maternal health care. Despite being among the top twenty states for low rates of severe maternal morbidity, Texas grapples with several challenges. These include a concerning inadequacy in prenatal care, with a rate of 22.8%, and a maternal mortality rate of 29.3 deaths for every 100,000 births. There are also severe discrepancies involving race, particularly affecting Black mothers, whose infant mortality rate stands at 5.8 per 1,000 live births—1.7 times higher than the state average.
National Overview of Maternal and Infant Health
On a national scale, the United States faces a significant maternal and infant health crisis.
- The country received a D+ for its overall preterm birth rate, with figures showing a 10.4% rate. This marks the fourth year of distressing lows.
- There is a disparity within the Medicaid population; babies born to mothers with Medicaid have a preterm birth rate of 11.7%, compared to 9.6% for those with private insurance.
- Racial disparities are worsening, with preterm birth rates for babies born to Black mothers increasing to 14.7%, making it 1.5 times higher than for other babies.
March of Dimes Initiatives
In response to these challenges, March of Dimes is taking substantial measures to address the underlying causes of preterm birth. The organization is expanding its Prematurity Research Centers, including a new Texas Collaborative Prematurity Research Center. This center collaborates with The University of Texas Medical Branch and UT Southwestern Medical Center, focusing on innovative approaches to prevent preterm births. Moreover, the organization operates a Mom & Baby Mobile Health Center in Houston, delivering vital prenatal and postpartum care directly to communities lacking adequate maternity resources.
Advocacy for Maternity Care
Alicia Lee, the Director of MCH Collective Impact, emphasized the importance of addressing these alarming findings, mentioning the repeated barriers faced by Texas families in accessing essential maternity care. She stated, "Every mom deserves the same chance at a healthy pregnancy, and every baby deserves a healthy start. In Texas, we're meeting families where they are and working with partners across the state to close the gaps that put moms and babies at risk." March of Dimes continues to advocate for vital reforms and policies.
- Promoting the Preventing Maternal Deaths Act to fund Maternal Mortality Review Committees.
- Supporting the reauthorization of the PREEMIE Act, which is crucial for renewing federal funding for research and data collection.
- Advocating for extended postpartum Medicaid coverage, ensuring mothers receive care after childbirth.
Conclusion and Future Steps
In Texas, where nearly half (45.8%) of births are supported by Medicaid, March of Dimes urges sustained investment in quality maternity care, promoting doula reimbursement and maternal mental health screenings. The results of the 2025 Report Card underline the stagnation of progress in maternal health nationwide, yet March of Dimes remains committed to advancing innovative research and advocating for the health and wellness of every mother and infant. The information from the full 2025 Report Card presents a clear view of the state-by-state grades and actionable recommendations for improvement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the 2025 Report Card reveal about Texas's maternal health?
Texas received a D grade, highlighting challenges like high preterm birth rates and inadequate prenatal care.
How many babies were born preterm in Texas in 2024?
In 2024, Texas saw 43,344 babies born preterm, maintaining the same rate as the previous year.
What initiatives is March of Dimes implementing?
March of Dimes is expanding research centers, providing mobile health care, and advocating for crucial maternal health policies.
What disparities exist in maternal and infant health care?
Significant disparities are noted, particularly affecting Black mothers, with higher rates of preterm births and infant mortality.
How can maternal health care be improved in Texas?
Improvements can be achieved through increased access to quality care, policy advocacy, and community support initiatives.
