Report: 3 in 10 deaths of new moms in Michigan linked to substance use

• New maternal mortality data reveals an increase in maternal deaths 
• About 3 in 10 deaths of pregnant or new moms — 128 of 442 deaths — were linked to substance abuse disorder 
• In all, 3,000 residents died of overdoses in Michigan in 2022

Drug abuse in Michigan kills thousands each year, but a new report sheds light on oft-forgotten victims: pregnant and new mothers and their children.

In a five-year period ending in 2020, 442 people died while pregnant, giving birth or one year afterward. Of those, about 3 in 10 were linked to substance abuse disorder.

That is more than maternal deaths due to homicide, suicide and car crashes combined,  according to a new report by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. 

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Experts say the data highlights the severity of the drug crisis that killed 3,000 Michigan residents in 2022.

Many with addictions try to quit when they become pregnant, but the stress of motherhood can take a toll, said Dawn Shanafelt, director of the health department’s maternal and infant health division, told Bridge Michigan.

“Many individuals will do their best to be as healthy as possible so that they have a positive pregnancy outcome,” she said. 

“Once a baby's born — and this is for all people across the board, whether someone's in recovery or not — that's an extremely stressful time.” 

Overall, maternal death rates have fluctuated since 2011, but have climbed in recent years. By 2020, the rate of maternal death had risen to 102.7 deaths for every 100,000 live births from 60.4 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2011.

The new report also calls for a “comprehensive state-wide education initiative” to address domestic violence.

Between 3% and 9% of women are abused during pregnancy, with certain factors — young age, single relationship status, race and poverty — playing a large part, according to a growing body of evidence. 

Abuse has been associated with poor pregnancy weight gain, infection, anemia, stillbirth, pelvic fracture, fetal injury, preterm births and low birth weight among newborns. 

“There's not a lot of control over pregnancy. Babies grow. They come when they want to come. It's not a situation that can be controlled, and that often can pose a challenge,” Shanafelt said.

The report also noted a continuation of disparities by race, age, and education level. For years, mothers who identify as Black or American Indian/Alaskan Native have been twice as likely or more to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women.

In the five years ending in 2020, Black women were 2.2 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes in Michigan compared to white women — a rate of 36.5 deaths per 100,000 live births compared to 16.3 deaths, respectively, according to the new report.

Also this week, the state released a related, 33-page report of recommendations aimed at improving health outcomes for all mothers, with special attention paid to Black communities and other vulnerable populations. 

Among the recommendations is an increased awareness among providers, public health staff and patients of danger signs in maternal health, with special attention to chronic conditions and intimate partner violence.