Suggested by Daphne Clark over 3 years ago

This hits home for me. As a Black woman, I have faced health issues where the only option provided to me from healthcare professionals was sterilization - I had yet to approach my 30th birthday.

I had given up hope until I discovered other options available to me when I stumbled upon a community of Black women who had similar experiences with many different outcomes. My concerns are still very much alive as I am nearing the stage of life when I am considering becoming pregnant and having a child.

Communities of color continue to face substantial cultural, social, and economic barriers to obtaining quality health care and achieving equitable health outcomes. Many of these racial and ethnic health disparities disproportionately impact women.

For instance, in the richest nation on earth, Black moms in America are 3-4 times more likely to die in pregnancy and are currently dying at the highest rate in the developed world.

In 2020, the maternal mortality rate for non-Hispanic Black women was 55.3 deaths per 100,000 live births, 2.9 times the rate for non-Hispanic White women.

To address this issue, it's important to increase awareness of maternal mortality among all women of color and to work towards reducing racial disparities in maternal health outcomes. This can include improving access to healthcare and providing culturally-sensitive and appropriate care, as well as addressing social determinants of health such as poverty, racism and discrimination.

Additionally, improving data collection and monitoring, and conducting research to understand the underlying causes of maternal mortality in this population will be important steps in reducing maternal mortality rates in women of color.

Having access to culturally-competent and sensitive care is crucial for Black mothers, it is important to seek out providers who understand and are sensitive to the unique experiences and challenges faced by Black mothers.

Through my experience, it is also a life-changing opportunity to have access to a community of Black women who are open to sharing their health stories and wisdom gained from their unique experiences.

As more people turn to technology for education and management, Congress is now turning its attention to creating legislation that address health disparities in America. Congress is addressing what they are referring to as the “maternal health crisis in America” and have introduced the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2021 to build on existing legislation to comprehensively address every dimension of the maternal health crisis. It is a step in the right direction, but currently only focuses on legislation that impacts postpartum healthcare. 

Finally, the overturn of Roe v. Wade has have a significant and detrimental impact on the health and well-being of women of color. About 40% of women who get abortions in the U.S. are Black, and advocates say abortion bans will increase their health and financial risks.