Black Maternal Mortality Solutions & RFLC Advocacy

By Darius Spearman (africanelements)

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The Unyielding Crisis: Black Maternal Mortality

The numbers paint a stark picture for Black mothers in America. In 2023, the maternal mortality rate (MMR) for Black women reached a devastating 50.3 deaths per 100,000 live births. This wasn’t just a high number; it represented a slight increase from 49.5 the previous year. While other groups saw improvements, Black women were tragically left behind. We remain the only demographic group that saw no statistically significant decline in maternal deaths (Racial gap widens in maternal mortality around time of childbirth – PBS; In 2023, maternal deaths rose only for Black women – Axios Atlanta).

This gap isn’t new, but it’s widening. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported these figures, confirming that while rates dropped for white, Hispanic, and Asian women, Black mothers faced worsening odds (Maternal deaths drop — except for Black women – Axios). Understanding what maternal mortality truly measures is crucial. It counts deaths during pregnancy or within 42 days after childbirth, specifically from causes related to pregnancy or its management (Maternal mortality ratio (per 100 000 live births); MATERNAL MORTALITY RATE | NJ.gov). Importantly, this calculation uses live births as the denominator, not total pregnancies, focusing on outcomes after a baby is born alive. Accidental deaths are excluded; the focus is strictly on complications from pregnancy, childbirth, or postpartum care (Maternal Mortality Rates in the United States, 2020).

Systemic Racism’s Toll on Maternal Health Disparities

Why are Black mothers dying at such alarming rates? The data points strongly towards systemic racism embedded within our healthcare system. This isn’t just about individual attitudes; it’s about how institutions, policies, and ingrained biases create unequal access and outcomes. Even when Black women have similar access to services as white women, implicit bias and systemic failures lead to disproportionately higher death rates (In 2023, maternal deaths rose only for Black women – Axios Atlanta; Maternal deaths drop — except for Black women – Axios). These aren’t isolated incidents; they reflect patterns woven into the fabric of healthcare.

The statistics are damning evidence of these maternal health disparities. Back in 2020, the maternal mortality rate for non-Hispanic Black women was 55.3 per 100,000 live births. This was nearly three times higher than the rate for non-Hispanic white women, which stood at 19.1 (Maternal Mortality Rates in the United States, 2020). Unfortunately, this gap persisted. By 2022, the rate for Black women was 49.5, still significantly higher than the rates for white (19.0) and Hispanic (16.9) women (Maternal Mortality Rates in the United States, 2022). Furthermore, issues like missing pregnancy status information on death certificates can lead to underreporting of maternal deaths, potentially masking the true scale of the crisis and hindering efforts to allocate resources effectively (MATERNAL MORTALITY RATE | NJ.gov).

Policy Efforts and Persistent Gaps: Postpartum Medicaid Coverage

Recognizing the risks mothers face after giving birth, there have been policy changes aimed at improving outcomes. One significant effort involves expanding postpartum Medicaid coverage. Extending this coverage from the previous standard of 60 days to a full 12 months postpartum was a positive step. The goal was to provide longer-term support and healthcare access during a vulnerable period (Racial gap widens in maternal mortality around time of childbirth – PBS).

While expanded postpartum Medicaid coverage is believed to have improved outcomes generally, it hasn’t been enough to close the deep racial disparities affecting Black women. Despite having better insurance coverage for a longer period, systemic barriers continue to create gaps in care (In 2023, maternal deaths rose only for Black women – Axios Atlanta). Unfortunately, the provided data doesn’t specify exactly *what* all these persistent barriers are (like transportation issues or specific provider biases). Still, the outcome is clear: policy changes alone, without addressing the root causes of systemic inequality, haven’t fixed the problem for Black mothers.

The Role of Provider Diversity in Healthcare

Another critical factor influencing maternal health outcomes is the diversity of the healthcare workforce. Studies have generally shown that Black patients often experience better communication, trust, and health outcomes when treated by Black healthcare providers (In 2023, maternal deaths rose only for Black women – Axios Atlanta; Maternal deaths drop — except for Black women – Axios). This connection highlights the importance of representation in medical fields.

However, achieving greater diversity faces challenges. Concerns exist about declining medical school enrollment among Black students, which could threaten progress toward a more representative healthcare workforce (In 2023, maternal deaths rose only for Black women – Axios Atlanta). While the CDC reports focus on tracking mortality rates and improving data accuracy (Maternal Mortality Rates in the United States, 2022), the issue of provider demographics remains a crucial piece of the puzzle in addressing care disparities. Ultimately, having healthcare professionals who understand the cultural context and lived experiences of Black patients can be vital for equitable care.

Advocacy and Reproductive Freedom: The RFLC Approach

Organizations like the Reproductive Freedom Leadership Council (RFLC) are actively working to address these life-threatening disparities through policy and systemic change. The RFLC focuses on championing legislation and reforms specifically designed to tackle maternal mortality, with a particular emphasis on the challenges faced by Black and Indigenous communities (Reproductive Freedom Leadership Council). Their mission involves fighting for comprehensive reproductive healthcare access for everyone, recognizing it as a fundamental right.

Furthermore, the RFLC frames the issue through the lens of reproductive justice. This approach connects the dots between maternal health and broader social and economic factors. They emphasize that access to abortion, contraception, and quality prenatal care are intrinsically linked to financial stability and the safety of our communities (About the RFLC – Reproductive Freedom Leadership Council). Consequently, for the RFLC, reproductive freedom isn’t just about healthcare choices; it’s a non-negotiable aspect of bodily autonomy and overall well-being for Black women and other marginalized groups. Addressing the Black maternal health crisis requires this kind of intersectional thinking that acknowledges the overlapping threats people face.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Darius Spearman has been a professor of Black Studies at San Diego City College since 2007. He is the author of several books, including Between The Color Lines: A History of African Americans on the California Frontier Through 1890. You can visit Darius online at africanelements.org.