Why is Black Maternal Mortality So High in America? Understanding the Crisis and Solutions
A Crisis That Demands Attention: Why is Black Maternal Mortality So High in America?
Surprising Comparison with US Healthcare and other countries
In the United States, Black women are nearly three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women. And as a Black Mother, I had to dive deeper into this issue and figure out what we can do to protect ourselves and children. This alarming statistic persists regardless of education or income level, revealing deep-rooted systemic issues in healthcare and society. And, I recently saw U.S Senator Cory Booker bring attention to it on social media, and I we need to talk about it. But, Why is Black Maternal Mortality So High in America, and what can be done to address it?
Here is what I have found as the causes behind this crisis and the actionable steps needed to create meaningful change.
Black Women’s Health on TikTok
Why is Black Maternal Mortality So High in America?
The Root Causes of High Black Maternal Mortality Rates
1. Systemic Racism in Healthcare
Black women often face implicit bias in healthcare settings, where their symptoms and concerns are dismissed or underestimated. Studies show that healthcare providers are less likely to believe Black patients’ pain levels, leading to delayed treatment and inadequate care.
Example:
A Black woman experiencing severe pain during labor may be told it’s “normal,” only to discover later that critical complications were overlooked.
2. Socioeconomic Disparities
Access to quality maternal care is not equal across communities. Black women are more likely to live in areas with limited healthcare facilities and face challenges like inadequate insurance coverage.
Key Challenges Include:
- Long travel distances to high-quality hospitals.
- Difficulty affording consistent prenatal and postpartum care.
3. Chronic Stress and the Impact of “Weathering”
The chronic stress caused by racism, discrimination, and socioeconomic challenges has a physical toll on the body, a phenomenon known as “weathering.” For Black women, this chronic stress can lead to complications like preterm births and low birth weights.
Impact on Pregnancy:
- Chronic stress elevates cortisol levels, which disrupt hormonal balance and impacts fetal development.
4. Higher Rates of Preexisting Health Conditions
Black women are disproportionately affected by chronic illnesses like hypertension, diabetes, and obesity, which increase risks during pregnancy. These conditions are often undiagnosed or poorly managed due to barriers in accessing preventive care.
Example:
A Black woman with undiagnosed hypertension may face severe complications like preeclampsia during pregnancy.
5. Disparities in Emergency and Postpartum Care
In emergencies, Black women often experience delays in receiving critical interventions like cesarean sections. Additionally, postpartum care—a crucial time to address complications like infections or high blood pressure—is often insufficient for Black mothers. I experienced all the above while giving birth to my son, and beyond on my endometriosis journey.
Why This Matters:
Many maternal deaths occur in the postpartum period, highlighting the importance of comprehensive follow-up care.
Statistics That Highlight the Crisis
- Black women are 3 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women.
- Even Black women with a college education are at higher risk of severe outcomes than white women without a high school diploma.
Solutions to Address the Crisis
1. Combatting Racism in Healthcare
Healthcare providers must undergo mandatory training on implicit bias and cultural sensitivity to improve patient care and communication.
2. Expanding Community-Based Care
Models that incorporate doulas and midwives have been shown to improve maternal outcomes. These professionals advocate for mothers and provide culturally competent care.
Example Initiative:
Programs like Black Mamas Matter Alliance focus on empowering Black women and addressing systemic inequities in maternal health.
3. Policy Changes for Equitable Care
Advocating for policies that extend Medicaid coverage for postpartum care, fund maternal health initiatives, and address social determinants of health is critical.
4. Empowering Black Women
Educational campaigns can help Black women recognize signs of complications, advocate for themselves, and access resources like community support groups.
5. Increasing Representation in Medicine
Encouraging more Black professionals to enter healthcare creates a more inclusive system where patients feel seen, heard, and understood.
What You Can Do
- Support Advocacy Groups:
Organizations like Black Mamas Matter Alliance and the National Birth Equity Collaborative work tirelessly to improve Black maternal health. - Raise Awareness:
Share information about the Black maternal mortality crisis to spark conversations and drive change. - Advocate for Policy Change:
Contact local representatives to support legislation aimed at improving maternal care for Black women.
Changing the Narrative for Why is Black Maternal Mortality So High in America
The Black maternal mortality crisis in America is a call for systemic change, compassion, and accountability. By addressing implicit bias, expanding access to care, and empowering Black women, we can create a healthcare system that values every life equally.
Let’s continue the conversation and work toward a future where every mother receives the care and respect she deserves. Share your thoughts or experiences by tagging @kylacanzater on Instagram—I’d love to hear from you!
More Health and Wellness
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- 5 Ways to Detox Your Body Naturally and Safely
- Sea Moss for Endometriosis: 4 Reasons to Use for Natural Relief for Pain & Inflammation
- 8 Ways to Avoid Holiday Stress While Managing Endometriosis
hello!
It’s Kyla
Hi Healthy Fam!
Living healthy my way is my thing, and Pink Proverb is my place for health and wellness. Focusing on being proactive about health, and living and creating a self-care lifestyle that allows me to be my best self!
I am taking you a long for the ride, and I hope it inspires you to do the same.
I am a Stage IV Endometriosis mom, working hard to stay pain-free. This is my sacred place of inspiration, journaling the things that have helped me along the way.
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