Black Maternal Health Vs White Maternal Health

In the United States, hundreds of pregnant women die during their pregnancy every year. Additionally, more than 80% of deaths during pregnancy in the United States are preventable. Furthermore, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Black women are two to three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women due to preventable pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia and common symptoms of high blood pressure. Black women in the United States experience significantly higher rates of maternal mortality and morbidity compared to white women. Black maternal health and white maternal health refer to the disparities in maternal health outcomes between Black and white individuals. These disparities are a significant public health concern and have been extensively studied in many countries, including the United States. This disparity persists across all socioeconomic levels and is present even when controlling for factors such as education and income.

What is Black Maternal Health?

Black maternal health refers to the experiences and outcomes of Black individuals during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Unfortunately, statistics consistently show that Black women are at a higher risk of experiencing negative health outcomes compared to their white counterparts. In the United States, for example, Black women are more likely to suffer from pregnancy-related complications, have higher rates of preterm birth, and experience maternal mortality at alarming rates. These disparities persist regardless of socioeconomic status, education level, or income. 

On the other hand, white maternal health refers to the experiences and outcomes of white individuals during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. While they also face challenges during pregnancy and childbirth, they are more likely to have better health outcomes compared to Black women. However, it is essential to note that focusing on white maternal health should not overshadow or dismiss the critical issue of black maternal health disparities. The goal is to achieve equitable and positive outcomes for all individuals, regardless of race or ethnicity.

Factors

Several factors contribute to the disparities in black maternal health. Structural racism and systemic biases within the healthcare system are believed to be major contributors. Black individuals often face racial discrimination, implicit biases, and unequal access to quality healthcare services. There is evidence to suggest that Black women's concerns and symptoms are frequently dismissed or not taken seriously by healthcare providers, which leads to delayed or inadequate care. Additionally, social determinants of health, such as poverty, limited access to healthy food, and inadequate housing, can further exacerbate these disparities.

Socioeconomic factors also contribute to the disparities. Black women are more likely to experience poverty, limited access to healthcare facilities and higher levels of chronic stress, which can negatively impact maternal health outcomes. Additionally, systemic factors such as inadequate insurance coverage and limited availability of culturally competent care exacerbate the problem.

Addressing these Issues

Addressing the disparities in maternal health requires a multi-faceted approach. Efforts should focus on eliminating systemic racism within healthcare systems, promoting cultural competence among healthcare providers, improving access to quality prenatal and postnatal care, and addressing social determinants of health. We can eliminate system racism by promoting racial equity, reviewing hospital policies to look for any racism in, educating all staff in diversity training, and hiring more hospital staff and doctors of color. Additionally, community-based initiatives, policy changes, and advocacy efforts are crucial in raising awareness and addressing the root causes of these disparities.

It is important to recognize that the terms "black maternal health" and "white maternal health" are used to highlight the disparities and inequities in health outcomes. The goal is to draw attention to the specific challenges faced by Black individuals to address and rectify these disparities, ultimately striving for equitable healthcare for all individuals.

References:

Black women’s maternal health. National Partnership for Women & Families. (2023, April 19). https://nationalpartnership.org/report/black-womens-maternal-health/#:~:text=Maternal%20mortality%20is%20three%20to,complications%20during%20pregnancy%20and%20childbirth.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, April 3). Working together to reduce Black Maternal Mortality. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/healthequity/features/maternal-mortality/index.html

Latoya Hill 2022, N. (2023, June 15). Racial disparities in maternal and infant health: Current status and efforts to address them. KFF. https://www.kff.org/racial-equity-and-health-policy/issue-brief/racial-disparities-in-maternal-and-infant-health-current-status-and-efforts-to-address-them/