MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed Tennessee as the state with the highest maternal mortality rate in the country from 2018 to 2022. With 166 pregnancy-related deaths—defined as deaths occurring during pregnancy or within 42 days of its end—the state recorded 41.1 deaths per 100,000 live births .

Leading Causes & Preventability

The Tennessee Maternal Mortality Review Committee, in its 2022 findings, identified mental health issues (including substance-use disorders), cardiovascular disease, and infections as the top contributors to pregnancy-related deaths. Astonishingly, 76% of these deaths were deemed preventable, signaling critical care and policy failures.

Local Leadership Speaks Out

State Senator London Lamar (D-Memphis) expressed deep concern over the data: “If we don’t invest on the front end and give women access to services they need, we can only expect negative outcomes.” She attributed the issue in part to Tennessee’s near-total abortion ban and reduced access to quality maternal care.

Advocating for Change

Sen. Lamar called for significant policy enhancements, stating, “We need to make great policy decisions and put our money where our mouth is if we’re going to be a pro-life state to ensure women have the healthcare services that they need.” She emphasized initiatives such as expanding hospital infrastructure, improving provider reimbursement, and offering TennCare coverage for doula services. Currently, a pilot program reimburses doulas under TennCare; Lamar supports making this permanent, citing evidence that doulas reduce maternal and infant mortality through enhanced education and early risk detection .

Existing Efforts & Gaps

Tennessee has taken initial steps to address maternal mortality. Grant programs are supporting community groups in postpartum and substance use disorder screenings, along with expanded access to support services tn.gov. Despite these measures, experts say much more is needed to reverse the state’s troubling trend.

What This Means for Rutherford County

Local healthcare providers in Rutherford County may soon face increased pressure to integrate mental health screenings and substance use support into prenatal and postpartum care. Advocacy for doula programs and hospital improvements could directly benefit Murfreesboro and Smyrna families, closing gaps in care and improving maternal outcomes.

Next Steps

• Tennessee lawmakers are weighing proposals to make TennCare doula reimbursement permanent.

• Community health organizations are calling for expanded postpartum mental health and substance use services.

• Public outreach and childbirth education via local hospitals will play a key role in shifting preventable death statistics.