From Awareness to Action: Reshaping black maternal health in America
In the heart wrenching news of Tori Bowie’s death due to complications of childbirth, it brings back how anxious I was throughout my pregnancy due to being black and having to navigate America’s healthcare system. There were many times throughout my pregnancy, Kaiser caused me so much stress for not listening and acting on my concerns.
Before my pregnacy, I had a black OBGYN. Things changed once I became pregnant. My OBGYN was the assistant chief, in which I later found out, and staff told me because she was the assistant chief they would not put me on her schedule. I later found out that this was a lie! She had no knowledge of this, and once I was able to get a hold of her 2 months down the line, I was able to be her patient.
During the two months without her, they did not provide a stable provider, a nurse told me to stop taking my iron pills because my iron was at “normal levels” but I was previously diagnosed with anemia and have been taking my iron pills so of course I was stable due to taking my medicine. Due to her telling me to stop taking my medicine, I had to go through weeks of iron transfusions before delivery. I also experienced a HIPPA violation in which I was exposed to someone’s name on my ultrasound. I also did not receive results for my urine and bloodwork in a timely manner. At one my transfusion, the nurse was rude, nasty, and would not provide me water. Transfusions are 4 hours long. I called my doula and had to advocate on my behalf. I also had stated several times “I’m educated and understand patient’s rights” for them to listen. Why did I have to make such a statement to be heard?
The reality is, black women’s maternal mortality rate continues to be high in America? You must ask why?
black maternal mortality rate
The black maternal mortality rate in America is a significant concern and a reflection of systemic issues within the healthcare system. Studies have consistently shown that black women in the United States are more likely to experience severe complications during pregnancy and childbirth, and are two to three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes compared to white women.
Several factors contribute to the disproportionately high maternal mortality rate among black women. These include racial bias and discrimination within the healthcare system, inadequate access to quality prenatal care, socioeconomic disparities, and higher rates of chronic health conditions among black women. Additionally, implicit biases and stereotypes held by healthcare providers can lead to undertreatment or dismissive attitudes towards black women's health concerns, resulting in delayed or inadequate care.
Addressing the issue of black maternal mortality requires a multi-faceted approach:
Improve access to quality healthcare: Efforts should be made to ensure that all women, regardless of race or socioeconomic status, have access to affordable and comprehensive prenatal care. Expanding Medicaid and implementing policies that increase healthcare coverage for vulnerable populations can help reduce barriers to care.
Address systemic racism and bias: Healthcare providers and institutions must actively address racial bias and discrimination within the healthcare system. Training programs can be implemented to raise awareness about implicit biases and promote culturally competent care. Diverse healthcare teams that reflect the communities they serve can also help improve patient outcomes.
Support community-based initiatives: Community-based programs and organizations can play a vital role in providing education, support, and advocacy for black women during pregnancy and childbirth. These initiatives can focus on improving health literacy, providing doula services, and connecting women with appropriate resources and support networks.
Enhance data collection and research: Improved data collection and analysis are crucial for understanding the root causes of black maternal mortality and developing targeted interventions. Research should focus on identifying specific risk factors and effective interventions to reduce disparities in maternal health outcomes.
Policy changes: Policy reforms are necessary to address the structural issues that contribute to racial disparities in maternal health. This may involve advocating for legislation that addresses implicit bias in healthcare, strengthens maternity care infrastructure in underserved areas, and promotes initiatives to reduce racial inequities in healthcare outcomes.
Increase support for maternal mental health: Black women face higher rates of perinatal mental health disorders, which can impact overall maternal health. Increased investment in mental health services and early screening and intervention programs can help address this issue.
Prioritize postpartum care: Extending healthcare support beyond childbirth is crucial. Implementing comprehensive postpartum care guidelines, including screening for postpartum complications and mental health disorders, and ensuring adequate access to postpartum care can help improve outcomes.
Efforts to reduce the black maternal mortality rate in America require a comprehensive and coordinated approach involving healthcare providers, policymakers, community organizations, and society as a whole. By addressing systemic issues, promoting equitable access to quality care, and empowering women throughout their pregnancy journey, progress can be made toward improving maternal health outcomes for all women, regardless of their race or ethnicity.
Black women, get doulas, midwives, birth-workers, or whatever else you need to feel safe and comfortable. There are non-profits and grants out there to assist with funding these services.
