Maternal mortality rates are on the rise across the nation, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Deaths per 100,000 live births have nearly doubled since 2018.

Dr. Sarah Berga, professor and chair of the OBGYN Department at the University at Buffalo, said many of these deaths could be prevented with the right approach to funding and education.

“I’m upset that the maternal mortality has gone up during my practice career. That is really upsetting to me,” said Berga. “I am also the grandmother of three grandchildren and two are women — or girls now — and I want them to have a better future.”

Berga said some of the factors that could be contributing to high mortality rates include social determinants of health, lack of investment in labor and delivery floors at health care facilities, and a lack of reproductive education at all stages of life.

New York is one of 28 states that are part of a partnership with the CDC called a Perinatal Quality Collaborative. 

Those participating can receive funding from the CDC to improve care for parents and babies.