Reflecting on Black Maternal Health

The high Black maternal mortality rate is a public health crisis. However, eighty four percent of these deaths are preventable.

This report by the Boston Neighborhood Network provides an overview of racial inequalities in Black maternal health care. It features discussion from ABCD (Action for Boston Community Development) medical director Dr. Frinny Polanco Walters and co-manager of community engagement and communications at Neighborhood Birth Center Tiffany Vassell, RN.

Walters and Vassell begin with a discussion of the documentary “Birthing Justice," which explores disparities in the experiences of Black birthing people. They investigate the factors that are driving the differences. Their analysis applies what they've learned through their work with the ABCD and Neighborhood Birth Center, respectively. Walters and Vassell highlight the role of the social determinants of health, such as access to safe housing and access to nutritious food. They note that racism contributes directly to high Black maternal mortality.

Additionally, Walter and Vassell discuss solutions, especially the importance of including community members in working towards reproductive justice. It takes a coalition of medical providers, birthing people, and advocates to effect change. Both ABCD and the Neighborhood Birth Center provide resources that educate us about maternal and reproductive health. They also empower us to advocate for ourselves.

We know that Black women are experiencing cardiomyopathy, elevated blood pressure, preeclampsia, hemorrhaging, all these issues while pregnant and having their babies. But the major factor is the social determinants of health.

SOURCE: Boston Neighborhood Network Media • LAST UPDATED: April 29, 2024