Black Women's Maternal Health

In terms of maternal health, how does the Black community compare to other groups? In terms of maternal health services, where do Black women stand?

According to the CDC, between 2011 and 2016, there were a total of 2,245 deaths among women of reproductive age in the United States. In fact, the rate of maternal mortality was three times higher for Black women than it was for white women. The CDC also reported that from 2011 to 2012, Black infants were two to more than three times as likely to die as white infants.

Lack of access to quality care is part of the problem. But there are also cultural issues at play. Black women often receive implicit bias from doctors, nurses and other medical professionals, according to some researchers.

To address this crisis and save lives, we must shine a spotlight on the causes behind these higher rates of death and illness among Black mothers. We need more accurate data about maternal health outcomes; better cultural competency training for healthcare providers; support for Black women who experience pregnancy complications or loss; and better access to quality maternal care in high-risk communities.

Black Maternal Health Week was created to address the need to create awareness around this very issue. This is an annual event where advocates, clinicians, and policymakers come together to spark solutions to protect Black mothers during pregnancy.

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