Black maternal mortality risk is a pressing issue that highlights significant disparities in healthcare. Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women, regardless of education, social status, or pre-existing conditions. This racial disparity in maternal mortality is deeply embedded in the healthcare system and reflects broader inequities rooted in racism and discrimination.
One factor contributing to the higher mortality risk for Black women is the normalization and dismissal of their concerns, leading to delays in receiving necessary care. Black patients, especially Black women, often face a lack of trust and respect from healthcare providers, resulting in inadequate attention to their symptoms and needs. This lack of proper care and timely intervention can exacerbate pregnancy-related complications and increase the risk of mortality.
Additionally, there are systemic issues within healthcare that contribute to the disparities. For example, the use of race-based algorithms and formulas in medical decisions, such as treatment guidelines and diagnostic tests, can disadvantage people of color. These algorithms, which adjust results based on race or ethnicity, may perpetuate biases and lead to misdiagnosis or delayed treatment. Efforts are being made to address these concerns and remove race as a factor in medical calculations, but more progress is needed.
Causes of Black maternal mortality include hypertension (HTN), preeclampsia, placental abruption, cardiovascular conditions, and postpartum hemorrhage. These complications result in more maternal deaths in Black women than White women because they may not receive the necessary care and attention compared to white women. Structural racism, implicit bias, and social determinants of health play significant roles in perpetuating these disparities.
It is essential to address these systemic issues and disparities in healthcare to decrease maternal mortality among Black women. That can include promoting access to quality healthcare, increasing cultural competency and sensitivity among healthcare providers, and addressing implicit biases.
Increasing the number of Black physicians, especially OB/GYN physicians, and involving Black midwives can significantly contribute to a more inclusive and culturally sensitive approach to prenatal and postpartum care. Representation matters, and having healthcare providers with similar backgrounds and experiences with their patients can lead to better communication, trust, and understanding. It is essential to provide opportunities for Black individuals to pursue careers in medicine. That can help address healthcare disparities and improve the overall quality of care for Black women and their families.
The high maternal mortality risk among Black women is a complex issue rooted in systemic racism, healthcare disparities, and biases within the healthcare system. Efforts to address these disparities and provide equitable and culturally sensitive care are crucial in reducing maternal mortality rates and ensuring the well-being of Black mothers and their babies.
