Maternal mortality is a public health issue, an equity issue, and a systems issue. While pregnancy and childbirth should be among the safest experiences in healthcare, too many families still experience preventable complications—and in the worst cases, loss of life.

Nationally, the United States continues to have one of the highest maternal mortality rates among high-income countries. California stands apart. Through deliberate leadership, data-driven policy, and system-wide collaboration, California has achieved the lowest maternal mortality rate in the nation. But progress does not mean the problem is solved.

Evidence shows that more than 80 percent of pregnancy-related deaths could be avoided with earlier risk identification, coordinated care, and timely intervention.

The California Society of Anesthesiologists is committed to advancing patient safety and partnering with policymakers, healthcare leaders, and communities to ensure every mother in California has the safest possible pregnancy and birth.

California’s Intentional Efforts to Improve Outcomes

California’s progress reflects a statewide commitment to:

Treat maternal health as a public health priority across agencies and healthcare systems
Use data and case reviews to understand where interventions could prevent deaths and complications
Promote risk assessments, training, and aligned resources to improve care delivery
Standardize systems of care and strengthen cross-disciplinary collaboration

These efforts have helped reduce maternal deaths and dramatically lower complications such as severe hemorrhage, once a leading cause of maternal mortality.

The Role of Anesthesiologists in Maternal Safety

Beyond providing anesthesia care, anesthesiologists are uniquely trained to strengthen maternal health systems. Their expertise includes:

Managing medical emergencies and complex chronic conditions
Designing safety protocols and early-warning systems
Leading team-based responses during high-risk situations
Improving care coordination before, during, and after delivery

Anesthesiologists help develop tools and approaches that identify risk earlier, guide where patients should deliver, and prevent emergencies before they occur, strengthening hospital systems and improving patient safety across the maternity care continuum.

Additional Information and Resources

California Surgeon General – Strong Start & Beyond Initiative

California Maternal Health Blueprint

Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM)

American Society of Anesthesiologists Statement on Anesthesiologists’ Role in Reducing Maternal Mortality and Severe Maternal Morbidity

California Department of Public Health, Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Division: “Centering Black Mothers in California: Insights into Racism, Health, and Well-being for Black Women and Infants”

American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists: Maternal Health Awareness Day

California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative

California Health Care Foundation Maternity Workforce Insights

Physician-Led Anesthesia Care