The leading cause of pregnancy-associated death in New York City in 2021 was overdose, with 20 out of 58 deaths attributed to overdoses, 16 of which involved opioids. The Health Department is urging healthcare providers to take action to reduce the risk of overdose among pregnant and postpartum individuals, especially considering the racial disparities within both maternal mortality and the opioid epidemic. Black and Hispanic birthing parents accounted for a disproportionate number of pregnancy-associated deaths. The city aims to reduce maternal death rates by 10% by 2030 through improved access to healthcare and support services. Providers are advised to screen for substance use disorders, mental health conditions, and initiate treatment for opioid use disorder promptly.
Overdose is the leading cause of pregnancy-associated death in New York City, according to a recent advisory letter from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. In 2021, 20 out of the city’s 58 total pregnancy-associated deaths were due to overdoses, with opioids being involved in 16 of those cases. This alarming trend highlights the intersection of the city’s maternal mortality crisis and the ongoing opioid epidemic, with racial disparities playing a significant role.
The term “pregnancy-associated death” refers to any death that occurs during pregnancy or within one year after pregnancy. The Health Department has been monitoring these deaths since 2001, releasing annual data and reports from the Maternal Mortality Review Committee. The most recent data shows a significant increase in overdose-related maternal deaths compared to previous years.
The rise in overdose-related maternal deaths has been attributed to factors such as increased isolation during the Covid-19 pandemic and the presence of fentanyl in the drug supply. The Health Department has set a goal to reduce maternal death rates by 10% by 2030 through various initiatives aimed at improving access to healthcare, social support, and reproductive health services.
Black non-Hispanic and Hispanic birthing parents have been disproportionately affected by pregnancy-associated deaths in the city, highlighting the existing racial disparities within maternal health outcomes. Black women are four times more likely than White women to die from pregnancy-related causes, underscoring the urgent need for targeted interventions and support.
Healthcare providers are urged to screen pregnant individuals for substance use, substance use disorders, and mental health conditions, particularly those with opioid use disorder. Initiating treatment with medications like buprenorphine or methadone and ongoing screening throughout the postpartum period are recommended strategies to prevent overdose-related deaths.
The Health Department’s framework for improving life expectancy, HealthyNYC, emphasizes the importance of addressing maternal mortality as a public health priority. Providers play a crucial role in reducing the risk of overdose among pregnant and postpartum individuals, with a focus on prevention and early intervention.
In conclusion, the increase in overdose-related maternal deaths in New York City underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to address the intersecting challenges of maternal mortality and the opioid epidemic. By prioritizing screening, treatment, and support for at-risk individuals, healthcare providers can play a vital role in preventing unnecessary deaths and improving maternal health outcomes.
Source: TheCity.NYC
