The Disparity in Maternal Healthcare in the Black Community.
Blog by Candace Smith-Tucker and Beth Celestini
Black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than White women. When exploring the question as to why such a disparity exists, new research attempts to answer this question. This new research states that the effects of racism and sexism lead to higher maternal mortality rates among Black women in the U.S. than previously realized, according to new research from Associate Professor of Sociology and Law Evelyn J. Patterson at Vanderbilt University. [Patterson, E.J., Becker, A. & Baluran, D.A. Gendered Racism on the Body: An Intersectional Approach to Maternal Mortality in the United States. Popul Res Policy Rev 41, 1261–1294 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11113-021-09691-2].
It's been reported over the last several decades that women of color don’t feel they are listened to when it comes to their healthcare particularly maternal healthcare concerns. There are thousands of reports of women recounting through their pregnancy experiences that they had concerns that went unacknowledged and disregarded by their physicians. Medical positions are often regarded in our society as elevated and trust positions. However, this reputation is lessoning more and more as women of color look for other birthing alternatives that not only save their lives but increases their ability to have a trusted partner assist with their deliveries.
In the last couple of decades, the use of Duolas have been increasingly more sought out by black women looking for an improved outcome given the statistics. Duolas focus on the needs of the mother offering support during the total birthing process in the areas of mental, physical, and emotional support. Recognizing the importance of the need to improve outcomes in the black community. Some insurers and nonprofits are taking steps to implement programs that do a better job at serving this community of women, improving their mortality outcomes.
It is critical that black women have the resources and medical equity. This is a fundamental right. If you are a black women concerned about having a greater voice in your care and/or a person serving this community of women, it is vital that you know the statistics and seek to improve them through educating yourself about the maternity health of black women. For more information and articles providing resources about Doulas Supporting Black Women, see below:
Data show community-based doulas improve outcomes for Black mothers, Kristin Gourlay, Published April 11, 2022. https://www.bcbs.com/the-health-of-america/healthequity/data-show-community-based-doulas-improve-outcomes-black-mothers/
Facing high death rates, Black expectant parents seek out Black doulas, By Justin Wm. Moyer, May 14, 2023. https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2023/05/14/black-doulas-maternal-mortality-rate/
Do Black Birthing People Need Doulas More Than Anyone?, By Christine Michel Carter Updated on May 19, 2022, Medically reviewed by Iya Mystique Hargrove, M.S., CFSD, CBS, CLE, CBE. https://www.parents.com/pregnancy/giving-birth/doula/do-black-women-need-doulas-more-than-anyone/
Organizations supporting the use of Duolas, supporting health equity for Black Women:
The S.A.F.E. Sistas Doula Collective works with community-based organizations, with similar missions, to combat maternal and infant mortality, by centering human rights and reproductive justice. https://www.thesafesistas.org/
The Black Doula Project is a fund to subsidize doula fees for Black parents in Washington, DC metropolitan area + Baltimore, Maryland. Eligible parents can receive a grant of up to $1,000 for the doula of their choice, in hopes that they experience a safe and nurturing space for their birth. https://www.blackdoulaproject.com/
The National Black Doulas Association is equipping Black and BIPOC birth workers and families to combat the alarming rates of black maternal mortality and morbidity, through our comprehensive directory and elite trainings. https://www.blackdoulas.org/
*This Blog article is meant to inform and educate about a topic or topics identifying a disparity with the intent of providing resources to further inform an individual’s decision to advance themselves, if applicable. It is not intended to be advice or a recommendation. Individuals are encouraged to do their own research to make informative decisions that best suit them.