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United States Value:
Number of deaths per 100,000 women ages 20-44
Explore Population Data:
Appears In:
Number of deaths per 100,000 American Indian/Alaska Native women ages 20-44 years
US Value: 136.4
Top State(s): Hawaii: 87.5
Bottom State(s): West Virginia: 266.3
Definition: Number of deaths per 100,000 women ages 20-44
Data Source and Years(s): CDC WONDER, Multiple Cause of Death Files, 2021
Suggested Citation: America's Health Rankings analysis of CDC WONDER, Multiple Cause of Death Files, United Health Foundation, AmericasHealthRankings.org, accessed 2024.
The death rate among women of reproductive age increased between 2011 and 2019. Low education, poverty, racial segregation and inadequate social support contribute to premature death. The leading causes of death among women ages 20-44 in 2021 were unintentional injuries (led by poisoning and motor vehicle accidents), COVID-19, cancer, heart disease and suicide.
Pregnancy-related death, or maternal mortality, is another contributor to premature mortality rates among women of reproductive age. After March 2020, a substantial increase in maternal deaths was reported, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic. The death of a woman of reproductive age adversely impacts her family and community. The early death of a mother or parent can lead to depression, anxiety and other long-term emotional problems in children, and is associated with decreased academic performance.
According to America’s Health Rankings data, the mortality rate is higher among:
Studies have also found that the mortality rate is higher among:
Many deaths that occur among women of reproductive age are preventable. Strategies to reduce premature death within this population target the leading causes of death, including:
Death related to or aggravated by pregnancy also uniquely contributes to mortality rates among women of reproductive age. At the state level, age-adjusted all-cause mortality among women ages 15-44 is highly correlated with pregnancy-related mortality. The Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health offers toolkits, patient safety bundles and other resources to support and guide quality improvement efforts in health care facilities to prevent pregnancy-related deaths. The CDC recently established the Hear Her campaign, to increase awareness of urgent warning signs to help prevent pregnancy-related deaths. Safe access to maternal care and facilities during pregnancy could also reduce mortality.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) published an opioid overdose prevention toolkit for providers, communities, local governments and consumers. The National Institute on Drug Abuse offers resources and advice about what to do if someone you know has a problem with illicit drugs.
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Gemmill, Alison, Blair O. Berger, Matthew A. Crane, and Claire E. Margerison. “Mortality Rates Among U.S. Women of Reproductive Age, 1999–2019.” American Journal of Preventive Medicine 62, no. 4 (April 2022): 548–57. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2021.10.009.
Hajat, Anjum, Jay S. Kaufman, Kathryn M. Rose, Arjumand Siddiqi, and James C. Thomas. “Long-Term Effects of Wealth on Mortality and Self-Rated Health Status.” American Journal of Epidemiology 173, no. 2 (January 15, 2011): 192–200. https://doi.org/10.1093/aje/kwq348.
Hummer, Robert A., and Elaine M. Hernandez. “The Effect of Educational Attainment on Adult Mortality in the United States.” Population Bulletin 68, no. 1 (June 2013): 1–16. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4435622/.
Petrosky, Emiko, Janet M. Blair, Carter J. Betz, Katherine A. Fowler, Shane P. D. Jack, and Bridget H. Lyons. “Racial and Ethnic Differences in Homicides of Adult Women and the Role of Intimate Partner Violence — United States, 2003–2014.” Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 66, no. 28 (July 21, 2017): 741–46. https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6628a1.
Stanley, Barbara, Gregory K. Brown, Lisa A. Brenner, Hanga C. Galfalvy, Glenn W. Currier, Kerry L. Knox, Sadia R. Chaudhury, Ashley L. Bush, and Kelly L. Green. “Comparison of the Safety Planning Intervention With Follow-up vs Usual Care of Suicidal Patients Treated in the Emergency Department.” JAMA Psychiatry 75, no. 9 (September 1, 2018): 894–900. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2018.1776.
Thoma, Marie E., and Eugene R. Declercq. “All-Cause Maternal Mortality in the US Before vs During the COVID-19 Pandemic.” JAMA Network Open 5, no. 6 (June 28, 2022): e2219133. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.19133.
America’s Health Rankings builds on the work of the United Health Foundation to draw attention to public health and better understand the health of various populations. Our platform provides relevant information that policymakers, public health officials, advocates and leaders can use to effect change in their communities.
We have developed detailed analyses on the health of key populations in the country, including women and children, seniors and those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, in addition to a deep dive into health disparities across the country.