Why is motherhood so costly in the United States?

The cost of motherhood in the United States is exceptionally high, with childbirth expenses significantly surpassing those in other wealthy nations. The US maternal mortality rate stands at 18.6 deaths per 100,000 live births, with Black women facing a mortality rate of 50.3, starkly higher than their white and Hispanic counterparts. Despite the majority of Americans having health insurance, many still encounter substantial out-of-pocket costs for childbirth and related healthcare, leading to long-term financial burdens.

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