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US Childbirth Costs Surge, Racial Mortality Gap, NYC Free Childcare

5/11/2026

48 11 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

U.S. mothers pay a median $15,178 for in-network vaginal delivery and up to $31,117 out-of-network.
In 2023, Black women’s childbirth mortality was 50.3 per 100,000 live births, three times the 14.5 rate for white women.
LendingTree estimates the average cost of raising a child to age 18 at $303,418.
Childcare consumes about 40% of disposable income for U.S. couples, prompting New York City to launch free childcare for municipal workers.

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Story summary

U.S. mothers pay a median $15,178 for in-network vaginal delivery and up to $31,117 out-of-network.
In 2023, Black women’s childbirth mortality was 50.3 per 100,000 live births, three times the 14.5 rate for white women.
LendingTree estimates the average cost of raising a child to age 18 at $303,418.
Childcare consumes about 40% of disposable income for U.S. couples, prompting New York City to launch free childcare for municipal workers.