Decline in Early Prenatal Care in the US

A recent CDC report reveals a decline in early prenatal care among U.S. women, with first-trimester care dropping from 78.3% in 2021 to 75.5% in 2024. This trend is particularly pronounced among minority groups, raising concerns about increased maternal mortality, especially for Black mothers. Factors like maternity care deserts and access issues, exacerbated by restrictive abortion laws, contribute to the growing delays in prenatal care. Experts warn that continued declines could lead to worse health outcomes for mothers and babies.

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