Home / Health / Maternal Mortality Crisis Linked to Mental Health and Substance Abuse in Oregon
Maternal Mortality Crisis Linked to Mental Health and Substance Abuse in Oregon
13 Nov
Summary
- Mental health conditions and substance use causing more maternal deaths than any other factor in Oregon
- Racial disparities in maternal mortality rates, with Black and Indigenous people 3 times more likely to die
- Innovative programs like Project Nurture showing promise, but struggle with funding and sustainability
As of November 2025, Oregon's Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee has been grappling with a troubling trend: mental health conditions and substance use are now the leading causes of pregnancy-related deaths in the state. The committee's analysis of cases from 2018 through 2021 revealed that over 40% of maternal deaths were due to suicide or overdose, with many of the women facing homelessness, discrimination, and gaps in the healthcare system.
The racial disparities in these tragic outcomes are stark. Black and Indigenous people in Oregon are three times more likely to die during or after pregnancy due to mental health or substance use-related causes, compared to white women. This reflects a nationwide pattern of disproportionate harm to communities of color.
While Oregon has pioneered programs like Project Nurture that integrate behavioral and perinatal care, these initiatives remain fragile and underfunded. Providers and advocates warn that without greater investment and policy support, the state will struggle to save more lives and address the systemic inequities driving this maternal mortality crisis.
