Governor Tim Walz has proclaimed today as Maternal Health Awareness Day in Minnesota. Maternal Health Awareness Day brings attention to the high maternal mortality rates and the urgent need to address issues that impact the wellbeing of families. National and statewide data have reported high rates of maternal mortality over the years. From 2017-2021, Minnesota reported 17.9 pregnancy-related deaths per 100,000 live births. This data also showed that Black and American Indian communities were disproportionately impacted by maternal deaths. Black birthing people experienced more than twice the statewide rate and American Indian birthing people experienced more than 12 times the statewide rate. Many maternal health experts and community members with lived experience agree that maternal mortality can be prevented. Visit the Minnesota Department of Health’s Maternal Mortality webpage to learn more about maternal mortality in Minnesota and recommendations to prevent future maternal deaths...