On September 8, 2025, the Texas Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights (Committee) issued a report on racial outcomes in maternal mortality in Texas. The report was issued after a series of public hearings where the Committee heard from individuals, organizations, healthcare workers, and experts on the issue.
The report identifies several drivers of the high rate of maternal mortality in the state, including high numbers of uninsured women, widespread rural “maternity care deserts,” inadequate postpartum support, and the growing impact of mental health conditions and intimate partner violence. The Committee emphasizes that many deaths are preventable and highlights promising solutions, from expanding telehealth and community-based care with midwives and doulas to strengthening paid family leave, postpartum Medicaid coverage, and data collection. The report urges federal, state, and local leaders to invest in these proven strategies to reduce maternal deaths and close the racial gap in maternal health outcomes.
Committee Chair Merrill Matthews stated, "The United States has one of the developed world's highest maternal mortality rates. And Texas has one of the highest rates among the states. I want to thank the many panelists who contributed their time and expertise to help the members of the Texas Advisory Committee and the staff of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights examine the multiple causes behind Texas's maternal mortality rates and ways to reverse the trend. Texas has taken a few steps in the right direction. But the Committee hopes this information and its recommendations will encourage policymakers to go even further."
bpeery@usccr.gov