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Health commissioner outlines gaps, disparities and programs in Minnesota maternal health

2361412 · February 20, 2025
AI-Generated Content: All content on this page was generated by AI to highlight key points from the meeting. For complete details and context, we recommend watching the full video. so we can fix them.

Summary

The Minnesota Department of Health presented data showing persistent racial disparities in maternal and infant outcomes, a shortage of birthing hospitals in many counties, and paused federal PRAMS data collection. The department described state and federal programs aimed at improving access and equity.

Commissioner Cunningham of the Minnesota Department of Health told the Senate Health and Human Services Committee that while Minnesota performs well on many health indicators, maternal health disparities persist and require targeted action.

Cunningham said Black pregnant women in Minnesota are "2.3 more likely to die of pregnancy or childbirth related causes compared to white pregnant women," and that American Indian maternal mortality is "approximately 4 times higher than white pregnant women." She also said that 40 percent of maternal deaths occur in Greater…

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