Washington, D.C., Scores a D on the March of Dimes 2024 Report Card

It’s hard to sugarcoat this one. Washington, D.C., scored a D on the March of Dimes 2024 Report Card. It’s not just a low grade; it’s an alarm bell ringing loud and clear. If you’re an expecting parent or someone concerned about maternal and infant health, this news is gut-wrenching. It means more complications, more danger for mothers and babies, and a system that’s falling short time and time again.

Think about what that D really means for families. It’s parents who can’t get the care they need during pregnancy. It’s more babies being born too soon, struggling for life in the NICU.

For families already juggling all of this, the report card isn’t news; it just confirms what they already know too well. The system is broken. And for parents dealing with the trauma of birth injuries or medical mistakes, that D is a harsh reminder that things should have been different. When the unthinkable happens, knowing it might have been preventable is a heavy weight to carry. Sometimes, reaching out to a birth injury lawyer is about more than justice. It’s about surviving the aftermath and making sure no one else has to go through the same.

Let’s take a closer look at what’s really going on here. Why is D.C. in this mess, and maybe more importantly, how do we even fix it?

Key findings from that D grade

What pushed Washington, D.C., into “D” territory? The report lays it out plainly, and none of it is easy to stomach. Here are the key points:

The preterm birth rate in D.C. is high

The preterm birth rate in Washington, D.C. is 10.8%. To put that in perspective, the national average is 10.4%. Preterm births are babies born before 37 weeks of pregnancy. These babies often face serious complications. Think underdeveloped lungs, heart issues, and even lifelong health struggles like cerebral palsy or developmental delays.

Behind this statistic is every parent pacing the halls of a NICU, praying for their tiny baby to pull through. It’s heartbreaking. It’s stressful. It’s expensive.

Here’s what preterm birth can mean for families:

• Long NICU stays that disrupt daily life (and drain savings)
• Lifelong medical challenges that no family should have to meet unprepared
• Emotional tolls that ripple through relationships and mental health

A lack of prenatal care

Want to know a scary statistic? One in five pregnant people in D.C. — 21% of them — go without adequate prenatal care. That’s shocking. We’re not talking about some luxury here; prenatal care is the most basic of basics when it comes to safe pregnancies. This is where complications like gestational diabetes and preeclampsia get caught early, where care providers can intervene before it’s too late.

Without it, pregnancies go unmanaged, risks skyrocket, and outcomes can be devastating.

For some families, the fallout could mean more than just heartbreak. If gaps in care lead to preventable injuries (to mom or baby), you might be left with the unthinkable burden of wondering if negligence was at play. When that’s the case, speaking to a birth injury lawyer is an important way to understand your rights.

Environmental hazards that aren’t helping

D.C. residents face extreme heat an average of 24 days a year. They also face 12 days of poor air quality. Pregnant people are especially vulnerable to these conditions, which increase the risk of preterm labor. These hazards affect low-income families living in areas with limited green spaces or more pollution.

It’s like piling another issue on top of an already-heaping stack. At some point, families simply break under all the pressure.

What’s driving all this?

It’s not just one thing. These issues are complex, layered, and systemic.

• Maternal care deserts exist, even in a city like D.C. Some families just don’t have access to OB-GYNs or the specialists they need.
• Racial bias can make care inequitable from the start.
• Chronic underfunding in public health programs means families are consistently left underserved.
• Policy gaps leave too many mothers without the resources they need.

When policies and systems fail, it’s real people who are left struggling.

What can we do about this?

D.C.’s maternal care issues cannot be fixed overnight, but that doesn’t mean we’re powerless. Here’s what families can focus on right now:

1. Early prenatal care is non-negotiable

Get care early and often. If something feels off, push for answers. If your provider isn’t listening, find one who will.

2. Know your rights

Medical providers have a responsibility to ensure safe and comprehensive care, and if they’re falling short, accountability is key. If you suspect negligence, it’s crucial to connect with a birth injury lawyer for guidance.

3. Advocate for better policies

Call lawmakers, support organizations like March of Dimes, and vote for leaders prioritizing healthcare reforms. Change starts with pressure.

4. Record everything

Document everything. If a preventable injury happens, these details can protect your rights in court.

5. Don’t be afraid to ask for help

Legal help, family support, and advocacy groups can all help. You shouldn’t have to do this alone.

Where policy fits into all this

Some progress is happening. D.C.’s programs for postpartum Medicaid extensions and increased doula access are steps in the right direction, but they’re not enough. These gaps in maternal health need big solutions, not just patchwork fixes.

Healthcare leaders, local policymakers, and community organizations need to come together and make these issues a priority. Families can’t keep waiting.

A final word

This D grade from the March of Dimes speaks for itself. It represents the real, lived experiences of families in D.C. — families fighting for healthier pregnancies, safe deliveries, and a fair shot for their babies. Every percentage point and every disparity stands for someone’s story.

At Nace Law Group, we understand how devastating failed care systems can be. If your family has been impacted by a preventable birth injury, you have options. Call us or fill out our contact form to discuss your case. Together, we can hold those responsible accountable. No family should face this alone.