Has Idaho Stopped Investigating Maternal Deaths?

Idaho stopped investigating pregnancy-related deaths after its legislature allowed a law to expire, but is re-establishing its Maternal Mortality Review Committee.

Created in 2019, the committee analyzed deaths and made recommendations. It ceased its activities on July 1, 2023, when the law that created it expired.

That makes Idaho the only state without a review board, according to the Alan Guttmacher Institute.

The committee’s latest report said Idaho’s maternal mortality rate per 100,000 live births was 40.1 in 2021, up from 18.7 in 2018.

From 2018 to 2022, Idaho’s rate was 20, lower than the national average of 23.2; Wisconsin’s was 13.2.

An Idaho law signed in March created a new committee effective July 1. The state began recruiting members June 28.

The Idaho nomination was filed June 29 by Democrat Kristin Lyerly. She is running for the northeastern Wisconsin seat vacated by Republican Rep. Mike Gallagher, who resigned in April.

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Sources

KFF Health News: Idaho Drops Commission on Pregnancy-Related Deaths as U.S. Maternal Mortality Rises

Maternal Mortality Study Committee: Maternal Deaths in Idaho in 2021

Idaho Department of Health and Welfare: Maternal Mortality Study Committee

Boise State Public Radio: Idaho Disbands Maternal Mortality Study Committee as Deaths Remain High

Idaho Legislature: Chapter 95 Maternal Mortality Review — Repealed

Alan Guttmacher Institute: Maternal Mortality Study Committees

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Maternal Mortality and Death Rates

Idaho Legislature: RS30898/House Bill 399

Idaho Legislature: House Bill 399

Idaho Board of Medicine: Call for Applications to Serve on Maternal Mortality Study Committee

Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing: Request for Letters of Interest to Serve on the Maternal Mortality Review Committee

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