When a mother dies during childbirth, her family loses more than a loved one — they lose a future together. What makes these tragedies even harder is that the majority are preventable.
In Illinois, Black women are nearly six times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) reports that 91% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable when proper care is given.
At Levin & Perconti, we fight for families harmed by medical negligence and preventable maternal deaths. Here’s what the latest data — and new Illinois laws — reveal about this growing crisis.
Maternal Mortality in Illinois: Data & Statistics
- Illinois’ pregnancy-related mortality rate: 23 deaths per 100,000 live births (36th in the U.S.).
- In Chicago, the maternal mortality rate for non-Hispanic Black women is 98.8 per 100,000, compared to 17 per 100,000 for white women.
- Leading causes of maternal death (2018–2020):
- Substance use disorder (32% of deaths)
- Cardiac conditions
- Sepsis
- Mental health conditions
- Chronic illness & embolism
These disparities are not just medical; they reflect systemic issues like poverty, racism, segregation, underfunded clinics, and lack of postpartum care.
New Laws to Address Maternal Health Disparities
Illinois has taken steps to confront the crisis:
- Public Act 103-0941 (Effective Jan. 1, 2025): Expands care for women with substance use disorders during pregnancy, adding intervention points to protect mothers and infants.
- The Birth Equity Act (Effective Jan. 1, 2026):
- Requires insurance coverage for abortion care without copays or deductibles.
- Expands coverage for high-risk pregnancies.
- Extends postpartum care.
- Ensures access to doulas, lactation consultants, and midwives.
These laws are an important progress, but implementation and accessibility remain major hurdles.
Why Black Women Are at Higher Risk
Social and systemic barriers amplify the crisis:
- Poverty & Employment: Many women do not have access to stable insurance, paid family leave, or access to affordable healthcare.
- Segregation: Chicago is one of the most segregated cities in the U.S.. Neighborhoods with concentrated poverty often have underfunded clinics and fewer healthcare resources.
- Racism & Provider Bias: Studies show that provider bias and systemic racism affect the quality of care women of color receive.
- Postpartum Gaps: Many complications occur weeks after delivery, yet postpartum care is often limited or delayed.
The Cost of Inaction
Beyond the devastating human loss, maternal health disparities carry a steep financial cost:
- Deliveries with severe maternal complications average $72,678 per delivery, nearly 4x higher than uncomplicated deliveries.
- Between 2016–2017, Illinois hospital charges for severe maternal morbidity totaled $107.5 million.
The Role of Lawyers in Maternal Health Equity
While maternal mortality is often viewed as a public health issue, the legal system plays a critical role. Birth injury lawyers can:
- Hold hospitals and providers accountable for medical negligence.
- Advocate for fair insurance coverage and access to care.
- Ensure anti-discrimination protections are enforced in healthcare.
- Support policy reform to expand maternal health access.
At Levin & Perconti, we represent families harmed by preventable maternal deaths and injuries. By demanding accountability, we help drive change in how healthcare is delivered.
How Illinois Can Reduce Maternal Mortality With Better Care and Accountability
Reducing maternal mortality, especially among women of color, requires more than legislation. It requires collaboration between healthcare providers, policymakers, and advocates.
- Universal postpartum visits
- Expanded Medicaid coverage for one year postpartum
- Greater access to doulas and midwives
- Stronger accountability for medical errors
Every preventable death leaves behind children, partners, and communities forever changed. Lawsuits help ensure all responsible parties are held accountable, provide families with the financial resources they need to move forward, and drive systemic improvements.
How Levin & Perconti Can Help
If your family has suffered harm due to medical negligence during pregnancy, labor, or postpartum care, you don’t have to face it alone. Call Levin & Perconti at (312) 332-2872 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation. Our nationally recognized attorneys fight for mothers, infants, and families across Illinois.
The birth injury attorneys at Levin & Perconti have successfully represented families in Illinois & across the nation for decades, achieving significant verdicts and settlements in birth injury cases, including:
- $40 Million Verdict: In March 2023, a jury awarded a 19-year-old woman and her parents $40 million for birth injuries sustained due to a delayed C-section delivery at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center in Mattoon, Illinois.
- $29 Million Settlement: In December 2023, the firm secured a $29 million settlement for a child who suffered brain damage and other injuries after a delayed cesarean section.
- $20 Million Verdict ($27 Million Recovery): In June 2022, a $20 million verdict was obtained for a child who suffered preventable hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and asphyxia injuries at birth, resulting in permanent cognitive and developmental impairments. After the hospital appealed, the appellate court upheld the verdict, bringing the total recovery to $27 million.
FAQs: Maternal Mortality in Illinois
What is the maternal mortality rate in Illinois?
Illinois’ pregnancy-related mortality rate is about 23 deaths per 100,000 live births.
Why are Black women at higher risk of maternal death?
Factors include systemic racism, healthcare provider bias, poverty, segregation, and lack of postpartum care.
What are the most common causes of maternal death in Illinois?
Substance use disorder, cardiac conditions, sepsis, mental health struggles, and chronic illness.
How can a lawyer help after a maternal death?
Attorneys can investigate potential medical negligence, represent families in malpractice claims, and push for systemic accountability.
Source: Illinois Bar Journal
