Arkansas is in critical need of accessible, clear, and reliable maternal health information. One of the primary barriers women face is the lack of easily accessible resources and education about their health during infertility, miscarriage, stillbirth, pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.

Quick Facts:

• Maternal Mortality Rate: Arkansas has a maternal mortality rate of approximately 47.3 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2020.

• Disparities in Maternal Mortality: Black women in Arkansas are 3 to 4 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes compared to white women.

• Infant Mortality Rate: Arkansas has an infant mortality rate of 7.3 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2021, which is higher than the national average of 5.4 per 1,000.

• Preterm Birth Rate: Approximately 11.1% of all births in Arkansas are preterm, which is higher than the national average of around 10%.

• Medicaid Coverage: Around 45% of births in Arkansas are covered by Medicaid, reflecting the importance of Medicaid in providing essential maternal health services to low-income women.

• Postpartum Depression: Nationally, it’s estimated that 1 in 7 women experience postpartum depression, a condition that often goes unrecognized and untreated.

• Teen Birth Rate: Arkansas has a teen birth rate (ages 15-19) of approximately 24.5 births per 1,000 females, which is higher than the national average of 16.1 births per 1,000 females.

• Postpartum Visits: Only 60% of women in Arkansas receive a postpartum visit within the recommended 6-12 weeks after childbirth, leaving many without the critical follow-up care needed to monitor their health and recovery.