A staggering number of maternal deaths in the United States were found to be preventable, according to a federal analysis of maternal death data released Monday. The analysis of 2017 to 2019 pregnancy-related deaths, which disproportionately occur among women of color, including Black and Indigenous, are based on figures from maternal mortality review committees. These are multidisciplinary groups based in 36 states that investigate circumstances around maternal deaths. Of the 1,018 deaths, 839 occurred up to a year postpartum, with mental health conditions – deaths by suicide or overdose – the top underlying cause, followed by extreme bleeding, or hemorrhage, according to the report. About 22% of deaths happened during pregnancy, and a quarter on the day of delivery or within a week after delivery. Read the full story at the link in our bio.