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South Dakota Department of Health
South Dakota Department of Health

Health Data & Reports

Maternal Mortality

South Dakota's Maternal Mortality in the Last Decade

What are pregnancy-associated deaths?

Pregnancy-associated deaths happen during pregnancy or within a year after it ends. Understanding these tragedies helps us improve care and prevent future losses.

A Decade of Data (2014–2023)

Over the last 10 years, 79 South Dakota mothers lost their lives during or shortly after pregnancy. This represents an average mortality rate of 68.7 deaths per 100,000 live births, based on 114,916 total births.

Rate of Pregnancy-Associated Deaths per 100,000 women who gave birth
*Rates are unstable and should be considered with caution.

Disparities That Cannot Be Ignored 

The data also reveals troubling gaps. Mothers from certain racial and ethnic groups faced significantly higher risks. For example, the mortality rate for American Indian/Alaskan Natives reached 184.6 deaths per 100,000 live births, compared to just 39.0 deaths per 100,000 for White moms. 

Mortality Disparities by Race/Ethnicity (2014-2023). American Indian/Alaskan Native 184.6%. White 39%.

Maternal Age Matters

Young mothers face greater risks. Mothers under 20 years old experienced the highest mortality rate of 152.1 deaths per 100,000 live births. In comparison, mothers aged 20–29 had a rate of 58.6 deaths per 100,000, and those aged 30–39 had a rate of 68.5 deaths per 100,000. 

Maternal Mortality Rates by Age, 2014-2023. Under 20 = 152.1. 20-29 = 58.6. 30-39 = 68.5.

Where You Live Can Make a Difference

Geographic disparities also play a role. Oglala Lakota County had the highest mortality rate at 184.4 deaths per 100,000 live births, while Minnehaha County, the state’s most populous, had a significantly lower rate of 49.9 deaths per 100,000. 

Maternal Mortality Rates by County, 2014-2023. Oglala Lakota = 184.4. Pennington = 111.1. Minnehaha = 49.9.

Education and Outcomes

A mother’s education level can also impact outcomes. Those with less than a high school education faced the highest mortality rate of 89.1 deaths per 100,000 live births, while mothers with a bachelor’s degree had the lowest rate at 40.6 deaths per 100,000. 

Maternal Mortality Rates by Education Level, 2014-2023. Less than High School = 89.1. High School/GED = 148.2. Some College = 51.2. Bachelor's Degree = 40.6.

A Path Forward

South Dakota has the tools to address these challenges. Efforts are underway to:

  • Improve access to high-quality prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care.
  • Tackle social factors that contribute to health disparities.
  • Provide education and resources to at-risk communities.
  • Support healthcare providers with training and tools to manage complex pregnancies.

Maternal Mortality Reports

Pregnancy-Associated and Infant Deaths in South Dakota, 2012-2021

The following report aims to describe the characteristics of mothers who died during pregnancy or up to a year after the pregnancy had ended, and the characteristics of children who passed away before their first birthday, in South Dakota, from 2012 to 2021. We will refer to those cases as pregnancy-associated and as infant deaths. There were 802 infant deaths during those 10 years, and 68 pregnancy-associated deaths.

November 9, 2023 | Infant Mortality | Maternal Mortality | Maternal Child Health | Mortality
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The South Dakota Department of Health's Maternal Mortality Review Committee (MMRC) is a multidisciplinary expert panel with representation from public health, nursing, maternal and fetal medicine, mental health, substance use, pathology, obstetrics/gynecology, and social work.

The South Dakota MMRC reviews all deaths of South Dakota residents that occur while pregnant or within one year of the end of pregnancy. The MMRC determines pregnancy-relatedness, preventability, and contributing factors to the death. The MMRC develops recommendations based on these factors to improve policies and practices and reduce preventable maternal deaths in South Dakota.

The South Dakota MMRC began reviewing cases in October 2021 and reviewed 20 cases in its first year. These deaths occurred from 2018-2021. SD MMRC committee members are listed below.

  • Dr. Mary Carpenter, South Dakota Department of Health, Chair
  • Christine Catts, South Dakota Department of Health, Case Abstractor
  • Katelyn Strasser, South Dakota Department of Health, Epidemiologist
  • Dr. Ashley Briggs, Sanford Health
  • Dr. Rochelle Christensen, Rapid City Obstetrics & Gynecology
  • Dr. Mark Ballard, Ballard Gynecology
  • Michaela Seiber, South Dakota Urban Indian Health
  • Kamela Johnson, Monument Health
  • Dr. Kimberlee McKay, Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center
  • Dr. Rachel Rodel, Sanford Health
  • Dori Vojta, Mobridge Regional Hospital and Clinic
  • Randee Peterson, South Dakota Department of Social Services
  • Jennifer Folliard, Community Healthcare Association of the Dakotas
  • Leslie Krump, South Dakota Department of Health
  • Dr. Sara Flynn, Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center
  • Dr. Kenneth Snell, Sanford Health
  • Dr. Meghan O'Connell, Great Plains Tribal Leaders Health Board