ALBANY, NY — The health department must do more to reduce maternal deaths and morbidities in New York, says an audit recently released by NYS Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.

Despite efforts to improve maternal health, the audit found that pregnancy-related health conditions and death rates have increased since 2018, when the state established the Taskforce on Maternal Mortality and Disparate Racial Outcomes to study the problem. Black women die at more than four times the rate of white women, the audit found.

It also revealed that DOH has not evaluated all of its maternal health programs and has been unable to measure the impact of its efforts. Recommendations made by the task force and the Maternal Mortality Review Board, such as promoting universal birth preparedness and continuity of care after delivery, have not been fully implemented. Universal birth preparedness refers to a comprehensive program that ensures all pregnant women are ready for childbirth and any potential complications. 

The audit also found that DOH has not done enough to track and address severe maternal morbidity cases. While DOH has numerous projects to educate providers, hospitals, and community partners about reducing maternal deaths and morbidities, the audit suggests that better oversight and coordination are needed. The audit emphasizes the importance of thoroughly analyzing data on outcomes and sharing it with partners.