A new report from the Birth Injury Lawyers has ranked New York in the 29th position nationwide for childbirth safety and affordability in 2025, based on an in-depth analysis of maternal and infant health metrics, access to prenatal care, and out-of-pocket expenses.
The study compiled data from authoritative sources such as the CDC and National Vital Statistics System, scoring each state on key indicators including infant and maternal mortality rates, cesarean section frequency, prenatal care access, and delivery and childcare costs.
New York’s placement, mid-ranking among states, reveals room for improvement compared to top performers like North Dakota and Utah, which boasted exceptionally low infant mortality rates.
New York’s infant mortality rate stands at approximately 4.2 deaths per 1,000 live births, moderately higher than the national average. Maternal mortality remains a concern: between 2018 and 2021, New York recorded 18.5 pregnancy-related deaths per 100,000 live births, slightly lower than the national average of 23.5 .
However, deep racial disparities persist: Black women in New York die at six times the rate of White women, and Hispanic women at three times the rate.
These statistics mirror the growing racial inequality in maternal outcomes. New York State Assembly Bill A4018 highlights that nationwide, Black birthing people are 3–4 times more likely to experience preventable pregnancy-related death.
In New York specifically, the rate for Black individuals was 51.6 per 100,000 versus 15.9 per 100,000 for White individuals.
But the crisis isn’t confined to city limits. Rural counties across New York have experienced multiple hospital maternity closures, creating “maternal care deserts.” At least 27 maternity unit shutdowns since 2008, as local closures leave families driving over 45 minutes for basic delivery care.
Dr. Michelle Morse, the NYC Health Department’s Acting Commissioner, has said New Yorkers face barriers to prenatal and perinatal care due to housing, socioeconomic, and access challenges. In a 2025 immigrant health report from NYC Health, she emphasized that “everyone deserves access to quality care regardless of their immigration status or any other factor” .
New York’s officials are responding. In March 2024, Gov. Kathy Hochul proposed expanding paid medical leave to include prenatal appointments and removing co-pays for pregnancy-related benefits . The proposal also includes distributing portable cribs to reduce sleep-related infant deaths in high-risk communities.
Still, many experts urge stronger action. Dr. Elizabeth Howell, Chair of Population Health at NYU Langone, highlights nationwide policy needs, stating, “Expanding Medicaid coverage and improving access to postpartum care are critical steps states can take to reduce maternal deaths and improve health equity.”
In New York City, the issue has already prompted political response at the municipal level. After two childbirth-related deaths at public hospitals, City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams told CBS News New York that the city’s hospitals are “overwhelmed because of staffing issues, under‑resourcing issues,” adding that most deaths were preventable.
The 29th-place ranking for New York reflects this complex picture: a state with notable strengths, including strong policy direction and medical infrastructure, but one still grappling with racial inequities, uneven access in rural districts, and financial pressure on families.
The report flags priority areas for intervention: expand prenatal care availability, close racial and geographic outcome gaps, support rural maternity services, and strengthen postpartum coverage.
With federal initiatives like the Task Force on Maternal Mental Health urging improvements to support systems for families , New York has both the resources and the national momentum to address these challenges.
This content is brought to you by the FingerLakes1.com Team. Support our mission by visiting www.patreon.com/fl1 or learn how you send us your local content here.
