Rising deaths, extreme racial disparities, and state inaction endanger pregnant Floridians

Orlando, FL — [May 2026] — The Florida National Organization for Women (FL NOW) is calling for urgent statewide action as Florida’s maternal mortality crisis continues to worsen, with Black women facing the highest risk of pregnancy‑related death. Despite escalating dangers, the state has failed to provide transparent oversight, timely reporting, or meaningful policy solutions to protect pregnant people.

“Florida is failing its mothers,” said Julie Kent, President of FL NOW. “Maternal deaths are rising, Black women are dying at alarming rates, and the state continues to restrict reproductive healthcare while withholding the transparency needed to save lives. This is a public health emergency — and a moral one.”

Recent data show that Florida’s maternal mortality rate has increased over the past several years, mirroring national trends but with sharper racial disparities. Black women in Florida are several times more likely to die from pregnancy‑related causes than white women. Advocates warn that the state’s restrictive reproductive laws — including a six‑week abortion ban — have created additional barriers to timely, safe, and medically necessary care.

Compounding the crisis, Florida’s Maternal Mortality Review Committee has faced criticism for lack of transparency, delayed reporting, and limited public accountability. These committees are responsible for identifying why mothers are dying and recommending life‑saving interventions — yet Florida’s process remains opaque.

“Maternal mortality reviews are supposed to shine a light on preventable deaths,” said Debbie Deland, VP FL NOW. “Instead, Florida has kept families and communities in the dark. Without transparency, there can be no accountability — and without accountability, there can be no change.”

FL NOW is calling for immediate statewide action, including:

• Full transparency in maternal mortality review processes, including public reporting and open meetings
• Restoration and expansion of reproductive healthcare access, including medically necessary abortion care
• Targeted investment in Black maternal health, including community‑based care models
• Legislative oversight to ensure maternal deaths are reviewed promptly and recommendations are implemented
• Evidence‑based policies that prioritize the health, safety, and dignity of pregnant Floridians

“Every maternal death is a family shattered, a community grieving, and a failure of public policy,” Deland said. “Florida must act now — not with political theater, but with real solutions that save lives.”

FL NOW urges lawmakers, healthcare leaders, and community partners to join in demanding accountability and advancing policies that protect pregnant people across the state.

Florida NOW remains committed to fighting for reproductive justice, racial equity, and the right of every Floridian to survive pregnancy and childbirth.

Media Contact: Debbie Deland, 407 234-6408, vp@flnow.org