Addressing Racial Disparities in Maternal Healthcare: Empowering Women of Color

Maternal healthcare is a fundamental human right, yet it continues to be marred by significant racial disparities. Women of color, and particularly Black women, face substantial risks during their childbearing years. The threat of racial discrimination, coupled with the fear of dying during pregnancy or childbirth, puts them in a vulnerable position. The maternal mortality rate for Black women is nearly three times higher than for white women, a startling statistic that underscores the urgency of addressing this issue.

The Fear of Discrimination and Maternal Mortality

Recent reports suggest that the fear of discrimination and dying during pregnancy and childbirth might drive Black women to seek out Black obstetricians. A 2022 study found that 71% of Black women reported having at least one negative experience with healthcare providers in the past. This fear and mistrust are not unfounded, considering the higher maternal mortality rate among Black women. Racial concordance between providers and patients has been shown to improve outcomes in primary care, offering a potential avenue to reduce these disparities.

The Threat of Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a dangerous condition often detected late in pregnancy. It can lead to maternal mortality and preterm birth, and women of color, particularly Black and Native women, are at a greater risk. Initiatives aiming to detect and treat preeclampsia earlier show promise, with the use of aspirin as a preventative measure being studied. The ultimate goal is to secure Food and Drug Administration approval for early detection methods, which could spur new treatments and reduce maternal mortality rates.

Preference for Black Obstetric Care Providers

Many Black pregnant individuals express a preference for Black obstetric care providers. This preference is driven by a desire for a shared identity, which can alleviate feelings of being stereotyped or unheard. However, the difficulty in finding Black obstetric care providers is a major hurdle, underscoring the need for greater diversity in the healthcare field.

Maternal Mortality and Social Determinants of Health

Maternal health inequities are significantly influenced by social determinants of health, such as racism, discrimination, economic and geographical disadvantage, and mistrust in the healthcare system. Systemic and structural racism has perpetuated unfavorable social determinants of health, like housing instability, food insecurity, and neighborhood safety. These factors contribute to suboptimal healthcare engagement among Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) birthing persons, leading to increased maternal mortality rates.

Empowering Women through Advocacy and Self-Care

While structural and systemic changes are necessary, empowering women of color to advocate for themselves is equally important. Resources such as the Black infant health program, the Southeast San Diego Breastfeeding Clinic, and diversity, equity, and inclusion training for physicians can help. Women should feel heard in their healthcare experiences and be encouraged to express their concerns and needs. Advocacy can play a vital role in improving maternal healthcare outcomes for women of color.

In conclusion, addressing racial disparities in maternal healthcare requires multi-faceted strategies, from increasing diversity among healthcare providers to advocating for policy changes. While the journey may be challenging, the goal is clear: every woman, regardless of her race or ethnicity, should have a safe and healthy pregnancy and childbirth.