Black Maternal Health

The stark disparity in maternal mortality rates between Black birthers and white birthers is a glaring symptom of systemic racism and inequality within our healthcare system.

Despite advances in medical technology and knowledge, Black birthing individuals are disproportionately dying during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum periods compared to their white counterparts. This tragic reality cannot be attributed to biological differences but rather to the structural inequities that pervade our society. 

Factors such as lack of access to quality healthcare, racial bias and discrimination within healthcare settings, socio-economic disparities, and environmental stressors all contribute to the elevated risk of maternal death among Black birthers. 

According to a new poll commissioned by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, more than half of Black Minnesota birthers feel that discrimination based on their race/ethnicity negatively impacts their health.  

Respondents identify discrimination as a key impediment to health equity, with 59% indicating it adversely affects birther health. The survey exposes a challenging environment for Black birthers, who place significant trust in healthcare systems, yet have low confidence that their healthcare needs (particularly postpartum) are met. Compared with those who are currently pregnant, respondents who have been pregnant in the past are more likely to advocate for a wider range of supportive measures including strong social networks, reliable childcare services, and better access to nutritious food to improve outcomes for Black birthers.  

The poll indicates a demand for collective efforts to address these issues that are crucial to the well-being of Minnesota’s Black birther community.   

Click here to view the data from the poll.

 

Changing systems and amplifying community-led solutions 

Addressing this crisis requires efforts from many sectors, including policymakers, healthcare providers, community organizations, advocates and more. Since things like housing, healthcare services, healthy food options and health insurance coverage all impact overall health, we all must work together to implement solutions that will improve outcomes for Black birthers. 

One key area of focus is expanding access to quality and culturally informed healthcare for Black birthers, including prenatal care, reproductive health services, and mental health support. Part of this work includes implementing anti-bias training for healthcare providers, promoting diversity and inclusion in the healthcare workforce, and establishing protocols to ensure equitable treatment for all patients. 

Community-based interventions are also crucial in this work. Communities have the answers, and it is incumbent on dominant systems and organizations to support and amplify the solutions that communities have identified and built. This includes supporting efforts focused on improving access to care, education, affordable housing, nutritious food, and economic opportunities. 

Examples of this community-led work that the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of MN Foundation support include: 

  • African American Babies Coalition

    The coalition focuses on advocating for policies and programs that improve maternal and infant health outcomes within Black communities. By raising awareness, providing education, and promoting community engagement, the African American Babies Coalition works to address the root causes of maternal health inequities and ensure that Black birthers and babies receive the support they need to thrive. 

    Learn more

  • Roots Birth Center

    Rooted in culturally competent care and community-centered approaches, Roots Birth Center provides comprehensive maternity services to women, with a particular emphasis on serving Black families. By offering holistic care that respects the cultural traditions and preferences of their clients, Roots Birth Center seeks to empower Black birthers and reduce inequities in maternal health outcomes. 

    Learn more

  • Appetite for Change

    Appetite for Change addresses many social drivers that impact health, including access to nutritious food and economic opportunities, which are critical factors influencing maternal well-being. Through initiatives such as urban agriculture, cooking workshops, and job training programs, Appetite for Change works to create healthier and more equitable communities, thereby supporting the overall health and well-being of Black birthers and families. 

    Learn more
Resources

For Black birthers 

Every Mother Counts invests in organizations working to improve access to quality, respectful and equitable maternity care around the world. For a brief list of information and resources related to racism and the black maternal health crisis in the U.S.
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Health in Her HUE connects Black women and women of color to culturally competent and sensitive healthcare providers. Learn more about pregnancy and parenting resources for Black birthers.
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Irth is the only app where you can find prenatal, birthing, postpartum and pediatric reviews of care from other Black and brown women and was made by and for people of color.
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For organizations and health practitioners 

When it comes to dismantling systemic racism, we’ve created toolkits to help you better learn, reflect and change. Though each organization will be at different points on their journey to becoming an anti-racist organization, we recommend starting with toolkit 101 and working through them sequentially.
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The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Associations National Health Equity Strategy highlights our commitments to addressing the nation’s health equity crisis, including addressing maternal health inequities. See how BCBSA is creating a more equitable system.
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