Mercer Times

In a recent announcement on February 6, 2024, First Lady Tammy Murphy and New Jersey Department of Health Acting Commissioner Kaitlan Baston unveiled the New Jersey Report Card on Hospital Maternity Care. This groundbreaking report card is the first of its kind in the nation, providing essential data on maternal health care in New Jersey derived from hospital deliveries reported to the New Jersey Department of Health.

First Lady Tammy Murphy emphasized the importance of the report card, stating, “The NJ Report Card on Hospital Maternity Care allows us to evaluate our progress, identify best practices, and plan our next steps as we work to make New Jersey the safest, most equitable state in the nation to deliver a baby.” Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Kaitlan Baston echoed this sentiment, recognizing the need for continued efforts to ensure safe and equitable maternal outcomes for all birthing people in the state.

The newly redesigned report card features enhanced interactive features and critical statistics aimed at empowering expecting mothers and families with important information to guide their decisions. It includes data on hospital-specific and statewide births, complication rates, and severe maternal morbidity, all designed to help individuals make informed choices about their care.

Since 2019, New Jersey has been issuing annual Report Cards to inform families about quality improvement efforts in maternal health care. The state has made strides in reducing cesarean delivery rates, with statewide rates decreasing from 34.4 percent in 2018 to 32.4 percent in 2022, nearing the national target set by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Despite progress, disparities persist among Black and Hispanic mothers in New Jersey, as highlighted in the report. Efforts are underway to address these disparities, with a focus on further research to understand contributors to maternal health issues at the hospital level and to identify modifiable risk factors for cesarean deliveries.

The Murphy Administration's commitment to improving maternal health outcomes through initiatives like Nurture NJ and the New Jersey Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Authority underscores the state's dedication to creating a safer and more equitable environment for birthing people. By providing critical data and fostering transparency, New Jersey aims to ensure the best possible care for mothers and babies across the state.