The State of Black Maternal Health: Why Equity Matters

Written By Monique Prosper-Torrence

Introduction
Black maternal health is in a state of crisis. Black women in the U.S. are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. This disparity is not due to biological differences but systemic inequities in healthcare access, treatment, and support (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2023).

Why Is There a Crisis?

  1. Racial Bias in Healthcare: Studies show that Black women’s concerns are more likely to be dismissed or ignored by healthcare providers, leading to delayed diagnoses and inadequate care (National Institutes of Health [NIH], 2022).

  2. Access Barriers: Many Black women face financial, geographic, and systemic hurdles to accessing quality prenatal and postpartum care (March of Dimes, 2023).

  3. Stress and Social Determinants of Health: Chronic stress from racism and inequity directly impacts pregnancy outcomes (American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology [AJOG], 2021).

Why Equity Matters
Equity ensures that all mothers receive the care they need, regardless of race, income, or location. Addressing systemic racism in healthcare, increasing access to culturally competent providers, and expanding community-based resources are critical steps toward equitable care.

How We Can Make a Difference

  • Support policies like the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act (Black Maternal Health Caucus, 2023).

  • Advocate for implicit bias training for healthcare providers (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists [ACOG], 2022).

  • Expand access to doulas, midwives, and community health workers (CDC, 2023).

Conclusion
Black maternal health is a public health emergency that demands action. Equity is not optional—it’s essential for saving lives and ensuring every mother and baby can thrive.

References

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2022). Reducing racial disparities in maternal health outcomes. Retrieved from https://www.acog.org/

American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology. (2021). Chronic stress and maternal outcomes: The role of racism. Retrieved from https://www.ajog.org/

Black Maternal Health Caucus. (2023). Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2023. Retrieved from https://blackmaternalhealthcaucus.house.gov/Momnibus

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Working together to reduce Black maternal mortality. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/healthequity/features/maternal-mortality/index.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Expanding access to doulas and midwives. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/healthequity

March of Dimes. (2023). Maternity care desert report: The landscape of maternity care in the United States. Retrieved from https://www.marchofdimes.org/research/maternity-care-deserts-report.aspx

National Institutes of Health. (2022). Racial and ethnic disparities continue in pregnancy-related deaths. Retrieved from https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/racial-ethnic-disparities-continue-pregnancy-related-deaths

Monique Prosper-Torrence