Which of the following is true regarding maternal mortality rates?

The statement that maternal mortality rates are higher for black women compared to all women is true and points to a significant public health issue. Research indicates that black women in many countries, including the United States, face a disproportionately higher risk of maternal mortality compared to their white counterparts and other demographic groups. This disparity is often attributed to a combination of factors, including systemic inequalities in healthcare access, socioeconomic status, and the prevalence of chronic health conditions that can complicate pregnancy and childbirth.

Understanding this context is vital for addressing maternal health disparities and working towards more equitable healthcare solutions. The other statements do not accurately reflect the reality of maternal mortality rates, as they either oversimplify the demographic differences (like the claim that they are the same across all demographics), misrepresent the trends over time (suggesting they've decreased significantly), or incorrectly narrow the concern to older women, neglecting the broader implications for women of various ages and backgrounds.