A new study has identified Texas as the sixth-most dangerous state for expecting mothers in the United States.
The research, conducted by the Birth Injury Lawyers Group, analyzed midwife shortages and preterm birth rates across all 50 states. Two key metrics were evaluated: the Average Births to Midwife Ratio in 2023 (scored out of 50 points) and Average Preterm Birth Rates from 2018–2022 (also scored out of 50 points). The combined scores ranked each state on a 100-point scale, with higher scores indicating greater maternal health risks.
Texas scored 70 out of 100, placing it sixth nationally. The state has 61.31 births per midwife, earning 39 points for midwife shortage, and a preterm birth rate of 11.04%, scoring 31 points for preterm births. While not the highest-risk state, Texas faces significant maternal health challenges due to its size and disparities in access to care, especially in rural and underserved areas.
A spokesperson for the Birth Injury Lawyers Group commented:
"The research reveals that Texas faces severe challenges in providing adequate maternity care, driven by midwife shortages and high preterm birth rates. States with insufficient midwifery support and maternal healthcare infrastructure often create riskier environments for expecting mothers than those with robust healthcare systems."
The group emphasized that increasing the number of certified midwives, expanding prenatal care programs, and improving maternal healthcare facilities are crucial steps. Comprehensive healthcare reforms could significantly enhance safety and quality of care for expecting mothers in Texas.
