California Department of Public Health

California pregnancy-related mortality dashboard

Explore state-level pregnancy-related mortality with downloadable data and documentation.

Read the primary source

Dataset guide / 2009–2023 on the reviewed dashboard

Dataset guide · California Department of Public Health

Read with context.

Use the dashboard’s About the Data materials before filtering subgroups. Keep the pregnancy-related definition, observation window and data period attached to every exported statistic.

Before using a figure in advocacy, record the exact table or measure, geography, observation period, population, denominator and uncertainty. This page is a research guide; it does not claim that raw data have been imported or independently analyzed.

Limits to keep in view

Do not equate pregnancy-related mortality with the NCHS maternal-death measure, which uses a 42-day definition. Small numbers and pooled periods require care.

Connect evidence to action

Choose a question, verify the relevant jurisdiction, and explain the action you are asking someone to take. A source-backed draft is a starting point—not a message sent on your behalf.

Use this in an advocacy brief

Research sources

Source text supports this summary. Human editorial approval, service availability and eligibility are separate checks.

Related policy & program records

Shared topic, not a claim of causation or eligibility.

Your working notes

Keep the context with the claim.

Write the question first

What are you trying to understand? Identify the population and place before looking for a number that might support your position.

Capture the measure

Record the source title, table or indicator, units, reference period and any stated uncertainty. Preserve the original wording of technical definitions.

Distinguish observation from explanation

A difference between groups can prompt further inquiry. It does not, by itself, identify the cause or establish the effect of a particular policy.