National Center for Health Statistics | Donna L. Hoyert, Ph.D., Division of Vital Statistics

This report presents maternal mortality rates for 2020 based on data from the National Vital Statistics System. A maternal death is defined by the World Health Organization as, “the death of a woman while pregnant or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy, irrespective of the duration and the site of the pregnancy, from any cause related to or aggravated by the pregnancy or its management, but not from accidental or incidental causes” (1). Maternal mortality rates, which are the number of maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, are shown in this report by age group and race and Hispanic origin.

This report updates a previous one that showed maternal mortality rates for 2018 and 2019 (2). In 2020, 861 women were identified as having died of maternal causes in the United States, compared with 754 in 2019 (3). The maternal mortality rate for 2020 was 23.8 deaths per 100,000 live births compared with a rate of 20.1 in 2019 (Table).

In 2020, the maternal mortality rate for non-Hispanic Black women was 55.3 deaths per 100,000 live births, 2.9 times the rate for non-Hispanic White women (19.1) (Figure 1 and Table). Rates for non-Hispanic Black women were significantly higher than rates for non-Hispanic White and Hispanic women. The increases from 2019 to 2020 for non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic women were significant. The observed increase from 2019 to 2020 for non-Hispanic White women was not significant.

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In an effort to make the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendations clearer and its processes more transparent, the Task Force started posting draft Recommendation Statements online for public comment in 2009. To further enhance its work, the Task Force began inviting public comment on all its draft Research Plans in December 2011 and its draft Evidence Reviews in March 2013. Submitted comments will be handled on a confidential basis.

To learn more about and comment on USPSTF draft Research Plans, Evidence Reviews, or Recommendation Statements, continue reading here.

APAOG is pleased to have our first #ADayInTheLife host of 2022 joining us on Wednesday, February 23. Head over to our Instagram account to follow along on our stories as Monika Adeni shares her day working as a PA! Visit the APAOG Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/apaogorg/

We are looking for additional individuals who are interested in committing to taking over APAOG's Instagram for one day and leading us around their life. If this interests you, let us know! Our office will follow up with you to confirm a date and provide more information. We look forward to getting to know you. Introduce yourself here: https://form.jotform.com/220304425699053

AHRQ | Opportunity to Comment on Draft Report

Effectiveness of Telehealth for Women’s Preventive Services
Available for comment until March 9, 2022

We encourage the public to participate in the development of our research projects. Comments can be submitted for: 

The purpose of the review is to evaluate the effectiveness, use, and implementation of telehealth for women’s preventive services for reproductive health care and interpersonal violence, and to evaluate patient preferences and engagement for telehealth, particularly in the context of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

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Did you know that several postgraduate programs had developed for OBGYN PAs since the inception of the profession? There was even a PA Midwife program at San Jose State University with many graduates; unfortunately, it closed in 1998. We would like to hear your opinion: Would you be interested in attending a PA Midwife program? Answer this brief two question survey and let us know. This will give us an idea of whether to move forward with a postgraduate program or not! The more responses, the better. 

-Melissa Rodriguez, DMSc, PA-C, APAOG President

UNICEF Data and Analytics

Female genital mutilation (FGM) has proved remarkably tenacious, despite efforts to eliminate it. In Mali, Senegal and Guinea Bissau for example, the practice remains as common today as it was decades ago. 

Understanding the key drivers of change both in attitudes and behaviours is key to elimination. Education is one such driver – it provides opportunities for girls to take on social roles that are not dependent on FGM for acceptance and shows that the practice isn’t commonplace for everyone. Girls and women who are educated are more likely to be aware of the dangers of FGM and to question its persistence.

On the occasion of the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM, UNICEF is releasing four data publications that showcase the latest trends and offer insights on the power of education to end this harmful practice.

Access the publications:

Some key facts include: 

• Girls and women with a primary education are 30 per cent more likely to oppose FGM than those without education. This rises to 70 per cent among girls and women with at least secondary education.

• Girls whose mothers have a primary education are 40 per cent less likely to be cut than those whose mothers have no education.

• In many countries, girls are increasingly being cut at younger ages, meaning that the window of opportunity to intervene is closing. In Gambia and Nigeria, for example, the average age at cutting has dropped by two full years, and in Kenya it has dropped by over three years.

In 2020, APAOG highlighted a PA working in OBGYN over on Instagram. This opportunity allowed others to follow along throughout the day and interact, ask questions, and see what it's like working as a PA in women's health. 

In 2022, APAOG wants to bring the opportunity back as a series! We are looking for individuals who are interested in committing to taking over APAOG's Instagram for one day and leading us around their life. If this interests you, let us know here! Our office will follow up with you to confirm a date and provide more information. We look forward to getting to know you! 

If you are interested in viewing the past takeover, visit our instagram account and navigate to the "#ADayInTheLife" story highlight.

"Itching for a New Treatment for Vaginal Yeast Infections? Ibrexafungerp, A First-in-Class One-Day Oral Antifungal for Vulvovaginal Candidiasis" is the titled of the program being provided by regional directors from Scynexis. APAOG has partnered in order to provide PAs interested in learning more an opportunity during February or March. All sessions are listed here. Please choose one that best fits your location/time zone/ schedule. 

The AAP Section on Neonatal Perinatal Medicine Mid-Career Neonatologist Group is searching for those who have published on the PA workforce within neonatology. More specifically, the Mid-Career Neonatologist Group of the AAP is developing a webinar series on the Neonatal Provider Workforce, and would like someone to represent the Physician Associates in neonatology.

Basic overview of the series:

• ~1-hour live webinar (can be as interactive or not as desired) with 5-10 minutes for Q&A at the end

o Typically use Webex for webinars, and the AAP will coordinate all technical needs and a brief touch-base/rehearsal beforehand to make sure the correct capabilities are activated in Webex

• Live webinar is open to all who register (AAP will be hosting the session and care host up to 1000, typically 50 to 250 for these types of webinars)

o With registration, we can ask registrants to answer questions to guide presentation or submit questions to possibly be addressed during presentation.

o Any response wished to be shared, but not enough time during the webinar, can always be shared via a later posting.

• Will be recorded for later viewing by AAP members-only, live session is free and open to all.
• CME will not be provided
• Will be heavily promoted via AAP websites, emails, and social media
• Unfortunately, no honorarium is able to be offered

Please reach out to our office if you are interested or know someone who may be a good fit for this and we will connect you. 

As we prepare for Maternal Health Awareness Day 2022 on Sunday, we are proud to join ACOG and other leading healthcare organizations in a Commitment to Action to eliminate preventable maternal mortality in the United States. This multidisciplinary effort will enhance readiness in prehospital, emergency department, primary care, and urgent care settings to identify and manage obstetric emergencies during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Learn more about our collaborative efforts: https://acog.org/news/news-articles/2022/01/commitment-to-action-eliminating-preventable-maternal-mortality