Connecticut tackles maternal mortality with statewide “I Gave Birth” bracelets

CTNewsJunkie – Monday, October 6, 2025
By Karla Ciaglo

According to Connecticut’s Maternal Mortality Review Committee, nine out of ten pregnancy-related deaths between 2015 and 2020 were preventable. That finding is at the center of a new statewide initiative that equips postpartum patients with bright orange silicone bracelets stamped “I Gave Birth” to help clinicians and first responders recognize complications quickly.

The bracelets are distributed at discharge from birthing hospitals and are meant to be worn for 12 weeks postpartum — the period the state review committee identified as the highest risk window. During the 2015–20 review period, Connecticut averaged 15.6 pregnancy-related deaths for every 100,000 live births, with more than half occurring after delivery. Mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, substance use, and perinatal psychosis, were the leading cause of death.

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