Black History Month: Addressing Disparities in Maternal Health

Most pregnancy- and birth-related deaths are entirely preventable. Yet, Black and Native American and Alaskan women are experiencing mortality related to childbirth at rates two- and three-times that of their White child-bearing peers. 

Similarly, though infant mortality rates have decreased over time, as of 2019, the infant mortality rate for Native American or Alaskan Native infants was over 1.5 times and for Black infants was more than twice that of White infants.

The factors behind these disparities are complex and interconnected:

• Medical Bias: Medical providers are more likely to coerce, pressure, and ignore the need for consent for birthing procedures for Black birthers compared to White birthers. 

• Higher Risk of Complications: Black birthers are more likely to experience additional critical medical conditions like preeclampsia during birth, and they’re more likely to experience preterm labor than White birthers. 

• Historical Trauma: Generations of medical racism—including forced sterilizations and unethical experiments—have contributed to distrust in the healthcare system, making it harder for Black parents to receive adequate care. 

Having a baby, navigating medical care, and raising a child is hard enough without additional layers of inequities. Parents, caregivers, and babies deserve safe, compassionate care.

Room to Grow was designed to support parents and caregivers through pregnancy and beyond, providing resources, education, and a strong community network to help navigate these challenges.

While we work to educate communities of these disparities, awareness alone isn’t enough. We need solutions. 

In line with the goals of Black Maternal Health Week, we are facilitating our third-annual Room to Grow Talks, featuring the stories and experiences of community members working to improve Black maternal health outcomes in Boston and beyond. Join us in person or virtually on April 11.

Let’s work toward a future where every caregiver and baby receives the care they deserve.