The African American Behavioral Health Center of Excellence and the Central East Prevention Technology Transfer Center has forged a collaborative relationship to address and inform providers about the alarming maternal health disparities for black women. To delve into this complex, yet important topic, the two centers have developed a workgroup to equip providers in better understanding these disparities and best practices to working with their clients. To begin the dialogue this document introduces our readers to the alarming facts and sets the tone for our future work.

The issue of black maternal health in the United States is a crisis that demands immediate attention and action. The staggering disparities in maternal health outcomes between black and white women reveal systemic and institutionalized inequities within the healthcare system. Black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women, irrespective of income, education, or socio-economic status. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for comprehensive, targeted interventions and policy reforms to address the root causes of this disparity.

The reasons behind these disparities are multifaceted and complex. Black women often encounter barriers to accessing quality prenatal and postpartum care, discriminatory practices, and bias from healthcare providers, as well as the enduring burden of chronic stress and the cumulative effects of racism and structural inequalities. These factors contribute to the high rates of maternal mortality and morbidity among black women, highlighting the necessity for a multi-faceted approach that prioritizes the needs and experiences of black women.

Addressing the issue of black maternal health requires a comprehensive strategy that encompasses various key elements. First and foremost, there is a critical need to improve access to affordable and comprehensive prenatal and postpartum care for black women. This includes ensuring that healthcare facilities are geographically and economically accessible, and that services are tailored to address the unique needs of black mothers.

Additionally, culturally competent, and unbiased care from healthcare providers is essential. Actions need to be taken to eradicate discriminatory practices and embedded biases within the healthcare system. This includes providing training and education to healthcare professionals to foster an understanding of the specific healthcare needs of black women and to eliminate racial disparities in the provision of maternal care.

Furthermore, addressing the social determinants of health that disproportionately impact black communities is crucial. This involves addressing factors such as housing instability, food insecurity, and economic inequality that contribute to poorer maternal health outcomes. To this end, investment in community-based initiatives and support networks tailored to the needs of black mothers is imperative to providing holistic and culturally relevant support.

Empowering black women to advocate for their own health and well-being is also a fundamental aspect of addressing black maternal health disparities. Centering the voices and experiences of black women in discussions and decisions surrounding maternal health policies and practices is essential. Black women must be given the platform to articulate their experiences and insights, and their expertise should inform policies aimed at improving maternal health outcomes.

The urgency of addressing black maternal health disparities cannot be overstated. This is a matter of reproductive justice, racial equity, and human rights. The current crisis demands a collective effort to dismantle systemic barriers and biases that have led to this disparity. Every mother, regardless of race or ethnicity, should be able to access the care and support necessary for a safe and healthy pregnancy and childbirth.

In conclusion, the time to act is now. It is imperative that we work collectively to implement concrete interventions and policy reforms to address the crisis of black maternal health disparities. This is not only a moral imperative but also a critical step in advancing reproductive justice and racial equity. It is time to stand in solidarity and strive for a future where every mother has equal access to quality maternal healthcare.

References

Crear-Perry, J., Correa-de-Araujo, R., Lewis Johnson, T., McLemore, M. R., Neilson, E., & Wallace, M. (2021). Social and Structural Determinants of Health Inequities in Maternal Health. Journal of Women’s Health, 30(2). https://doi.org/10.1089/jwh.2020.8882 

Harper, M., Dugan, E., Espeland, M., Martinez-Borges, A., & McQuellon, C. (2007). Why African-American Women Are at Greater Risk for Pregnancy-Related Death. Annals of Epidemiology, 17(3), 180–185. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annepidem.2006.10.004 

Nelson, A. (2003). Unequal treatment: confronting racial and ethnic disparities in health care. Choice Reviews Online, 40(10), 40–584340–5843. https://doi.org/10.5860/choice.40-5843 

Solomon, J. (2021). Closing the coverage gap would improve Black maternal health. Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 26. 

Thompson, T. M., Young, Y.-Y., Bass, T. M., Baker, S., Njoku, O., Norwood, J., & Simpson, M. (2022). Racism Runs Through It: Examining The Sexual And Reproductive Health Experience Of Black Women In The South. Health Affairs, 41(2), 195–202. https://doi.org/10.1377/hlthaff.2021.01422