Fact Sheet

Maternal Mortality for Black Women

Black women in the U.S. are often the victims of poor maternal health outcomes. The Centers for Disease
control recently reported that per 100,000 live births in the US today there are only 13 deaths in white
children compared to 44 deaths in African- American children. This is often the result of the lack of
prenatal care for black women during pregnancy and discrimination from health care providers.

 Lack of Prenatal Care for Black Women

Health insurance is hard to obtain for many black women. They either cannot afford it or make
too much money and do not qualify for state assisted programs. The women who do qualify for
those programs are still not accepted by many healthcare providers. Under these circumstances,
many African American women go insured during their pregnancy, unaware of any issues that
they may have.

 Discrimination in Health Care

Black women are sometimes looked down upon when trying to get care during their pregnancy.
Some women have testified to feeling as if the doctor would not give them the best care because
they are having a child that they can’t afford or are using the child as an opportunity to receive
government benefits. Also, pregnancy is sometimes frowned upon if the father of the child is not
in the picture.
 Deaths and Complications for After Birth

Black women are three to four times more likely to die during childbirth than white women
during pregnancy or childbirth. Research shows this is the result of the racial bias of doctors
towards black women by dismissing their needs, spending less time with black patients or
ignoring their complaints.
 Problems that Arise from the Lack of Attention During Pregnancy

Black women are more susceptible to diseases like preeclampsia, diabetes, obesity and
hypertension. These diseases can be the result of black women not having health insurance prior
to and after giving birth and are therefore unaware of underlying issues that could have otherwise
been treated.
 Low-quality Health Care

Black women receiving healthcare in black neighborhoods often receive low- quality health care.
They are not provided with the newest methods for childbirth, or educated on ways to keep
themselves healthy during pregnancy and after birth. Birthing classes and activities such as baby
yoga are not popular in areas predominantly populated by African Americans.