The racial disparities in maternal health for Black women

One of the most pressing stories in modern women’s health is the racial disparity in maternal health. This is not a new story, but it is one that persists. ?

Maternal mortality rates for Black women

According to the?Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , Black women are at least three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than white women. Their research shows there are multiple factors that can contribute to this disparity.

Factors that can contribute to racial disparity in maternal health

• Underlying chronic conditionsStatistically, Black women are?more likely to have preexisting conditions like hypertension ?and diabetes which can make pregnancy more complicated.
• Variation in quality health careStudies show?racial and ethnic minorities experience a lower quality of health care ?and are less likely to receive routine medical care.
• Access to quality careDepending on someone’s location or socioeconomic status, they may have trouble accessing quality care. The time and cost of travel to seek pregnancy care can often be another barrier.
• Structural racismThis term refers to the?various ways a society is set up to lend advantages and opportunities ?to one race over another or others. There are many ways structural racism can put Black women at a disadvantage in society including income, housing, and health care.

Unconscious bias also plays a role

Unconscious bias is a term for?the biases we may have that are outside our typical awareness or control . This is not limited to race, either. It can contribute to making inaccurate assumptions based on gender, age, physical attractiveness, or other factors. Unconscious bias can have a direct impact on the quality of care someone receives.

According to the?American Medical Association , a?study?found that primary care physicians with an unconscious bias toward white patients tended to dominate conversations with Black patients during routine visits and pay less attention to these patients’ social and emotional needs. For Black women, these kinds of interactions can lead to a lack of trust in the health care system and a reluctance to seek care.

All the factors play a role in maternal mortality

There is no single factor that contributes to the high maternal mortality rate for Black women. It is a cascade of different elements that stack the deck against Black women. The damage is not limited to the loss of life, either. The effect of these mothers lost from complications or other pregnancy-related causes will be felt for generations.

What can be done to reduce the mortality rate for Black women?

There is work being done nationwide to try to reduce the various racial disparities in health care. Many medical schools now teach about the presence and effects of unconscious bias. More?Americans have access to health insurance today ?than in previous years. There is still work to be done, but awareness of this issue is growing. ???????

?2023 Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corporation. All rights reserved. JO24093?37489-100-2303