America’s Health Rankings 10th Health of Women and Children Report finds progress in infant health and preventive care, but worsening maternal and mental health outcomes over[...]

The latest Health of Women and Children Report marks an important milestone for the United Health Foundation: a decade of insights into the health and well-being of women and children across America. As one of the most comprehensive examinations of the health and well-being of women and children nationwide and on a state-by-state basis, the report has tracked meaningful progress in some areas over the past decade. More women are receiving preventive care, while several measures of infant health have improved.

But progress is rarely linear. Improvements in these areas have not consistently coincided with better health outcomes. Maternal morbidity and mortality rose and measures of children's physical activity and access to care declined. The latest Health of Women and Children Report provides a long-term picture of the progress and challenges to better health for women and children and shows where continued focus is needed to help more women and children thrive.

"Ten years of data give us a clearer picture of where improvements are taking hold, where gaps persist and where action is needed. By continuing to follow the evidence, listen to communities and build on the work underway, we can help more women and children live healthier lives."

Lisa Saul, MD, MBA | Chief Medical Officer, Women's Health, UnitedHealth Group

Key findings

Making health care easier to navigate, afford and get

America's Health Rankings data can help inform where we can make the greatest difference for women and children. It shows us where support is needed most and where focused action can help improve outcomes.

One example is the work UnitedHealth Group is doing to make care easier to navigate, including eliminating prior authorizations for many pediatric diagnostic, specialty care and routine surgical services. That helps parents spend less time navigating the system and more time focused on their children's care.

UnitedHealth Group is also working to ensure that women and families can get the care they need earlier and closer to home. UnitedHealthcare became the first insurer to expand doula coverage nationwide. Personalized support before, during and after pregnancy can make a meaningful difference throughout the maternity journey, helping connect more women with support when they need it most.

But care is only possible with a workforce capable of providing it. In 2022, the United Health Foundation committed $100 million to support 10,000 current and future clinicians through the Health Care Scholars United program. The Foundation has invested $25 million to support more than 3,800 scholars so far.

Ten years of data show that meaningful progress in women's and children's health requires sustained focus. The Health of Women and Children Report helps us understand where action is needed, where progress is possible and how we can build a healthier future for women, children and families across America.

The full America's Health Rankings 2026 Health of Women and Children Report is available at AmericasHealthRankings.org, where users can explore national and state-level data and trends.