By Tashanna Foster Black maternal mortality in the U.S. refers to the disproportionate number of deaths among Black mothers during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum compared to other racial groups.
So…what exactly is Maternal Mortality?
Maternal Mortality also known as maternal death is the passing of a mother during or 1 year within their pregnancy. In America maternal death is a phenomenon that is often overlooked in American media due to its taboo nature and lack of regard for women’s health.
Statistics
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Black women are two to three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than White women. Structural racism, implicit bias, lack of access to quality healthcare, and socio-economic disparities are some of the underlying factors that contribute to this inequity. Addressing this issue requires systemic changes in healthcare policy, education, and practice to ensure that all women, regardless of race, receive equitable and high-quality maternal care.
SOURCE: National Center for Health Statistics, National Vital Statistics System, Mortality.
The high rates of black maternal mortality in the U.S have devastating effects on the black community. Black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than other races. This disparity reflects systemic racism in healthcare, including unequal access to quality prenatal care, implicit biases of healthcare providers, and structural inequalities such as poverty and discrimination. The loss of black mothers during childbirth not only leaves families traumatized but also affects the entire community, leading to intergenerational trauma, economic instability, and increased healthcare costs. Addressing the issue of black maternal mortality is crucial to improving the health and well-being of black families and communities.