Maternal and Mental Health Trends Show U.S. Declines
A new decade-long report highlights rising maternal health risks and mental health challenges for U.S. women and children.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Women’s Health
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The 10th annual America's Health Rankings Health of Women and Children Report shows a complex picture of health outcomes across the United States. While data from the past decade highlights improvements in infant health and socioeconomic conditions, maternal mortality rates and mental health challenges have significantly increased.
Why it matters
This report provides a critical look at the long-term health trajectory for women and children in the U.S. across the last decade. Understanding these trends helps clarify where public health interventions are succeeding and where critical gaps in maternal and mental healthcare persist.
A 10th annual decadal analysis from the America's Health Rankings report tracks health outcomes for women and children from 2016 to 2026. While metrics for infant health and socioeconomic status show improvement, maternal illness and death rates rose throughout the study period.
The players
UnitedHealth Group
A multinational health insurance and services provider that produces the annual America's Health Rankings.
The details
The report analyzes a full decade of national health data to assess performance across various metrics, including health behaviors, economic conditions, and clinical outcomes. It suggests that while progress has been made in infant health, the health of mothers and mental well-being have faced consistent declines over the same timeframe. The findings are intended to inform a broader understanding of how systemic factors interact with individual health outcomes for these populations.
Timeline
The health data analyzed in the report covers the period from 2016 to 2026.
The 10th annual health report was released on October 23, 2026.
Health Landscape
This report sits within the broader scope of the America's Health Rankings series, which has provided a decade of consistent benchmarking for national wellness. The findings contribute to the ongoing evolution of maternal and child health research as experts evaluate long-term population trends.
These trends emphasize the importance of prioritizing maternal health screenings and mental health resources during routine checkups. It is worth discussing any concerns regarding maternal care or mental health support with your physician to ensure you are accessing all available preventive services.
The takeaway
While infant health has seen progress, the rise in maternal mortality and mental health concerns highlights critical areas requiring increased attention. Review your own health record with your doctor and ensure you are staying current on all recommended maternal and mental health screenings.
Further reading
For more on the current state of care, explore our Women’s Health section.
More information
View the complete findings on the America's Health Rankings official report portal.
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Is the overall health of women and children in your local community getting better or worse?
