--- title: Reflecting on Black Maternal Health date: 2026-02-06T12:35:00-05:00 author: Jonese Austin canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/reflecting-on-black-maternal-health" section: Resources --- [Donate](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/donate) [Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# 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,](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/people/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. [Watch the video ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmy3NIxt2Q0) SOURCE: Boston Neighborhood Network Media • LAST UPDATED: April 29, 2024 ![Pregnant Black woman with nurse at hospital](data:image/png;base64,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) Monkey Business/Adobe Stock ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics - [ pregnancy & birth](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/pregnancy-birth) - [ maternal morbidity & mortality](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/maternal-morbidity-mortality) - [ diverse experiences of pregnancy & labor](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/diverse-experiences-of-pregnancy-labor) - [maternal mortality](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/maternal-mortality) - [maternal health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/maternal-health) - [Black / African American](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/black-african-american) - [racism](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/racism) - [birth justice](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/birth-justice) - [birth](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/birth) ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** - We rigorously evaluate all content - We embrace a reproductive justice framework - We don’t accept ads or sell products - We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry - We counter misinformation and disinformation - We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality [read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us) Share [](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();) ##### More to Explore [ResourcesWatch ## TED Talk: How Racism Harms Pregnant Women And What Can Help by Miriam Zoila Pérez A TED talk from doula, reporter, and activist Miriam Zoila Pérez about how racism affects pregnant people’s health and the health of their babies. ![How Racism Harms Pregnant Women And What Can Help scaled jpeg](data:image/png;base64,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) A TED talk from doula, reporter, and activist Miriam Zoila Pérez about how racism affects pregnant people’s health and the health of their babies.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/ted-talk-how-racism-harms-pregnant-women-and-what-can-help-by-miriam-zoila-perez) [ResourcesRead ## The Mental Health Trauma of the Black Maternal Mortality Crisis Through personal stories and interviews with experts, this article looks at why Black people in the U.S. are more likely than white people to experience traumatic births. ![Toro tseleng t2 F Yy S9 N Fo unsplash scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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) Through personal stories and interviews with experts, this article looks at why Black people in the U.S. are more likely than white people to experience traumatic births.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/the-mental-health-trauma-of-the-black-maternal-mortality-crisis) [ResourcesListen ## What is the Black Maternal Momnibus? Dr. Monica McLemore and Melissa Harris-Perry discuss legislation to address the black maternal health crisis in the U.S. ![What is the Black Maternal Momnibus scaled jpeg](data:image/png;base64,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) Dr. Monica McLemore and Melissa Harris-Perry discuss legislation to address the black maternal health crisis in the U.S.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/what-is-the-black-maternal-momnibus) [ResourcesRead ## Lessons from Black Midwives Six Black midwives share their insights and experiences in the face of today's worsening maternal and infant mortality rates. ![AdobeStock_404215824](data:image/png;base64,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) Six Black midwives share their insights and experiences in the face of today's worsening maternal and infant mortality rates.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/lessons-from-black-midwives) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## A Conversation about Mental Health during Pregnancy An obstetrician and a new mother talk about the challenges Black women in rural Georgia face finding mental health support during pregnancy. ![pexels-dayvison-de-oliveira-silva-5695280](data:image/png;base64,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) An obstetrician and a new mother talk about the challenges Black women in rural Georgia face finding mental health support during pregnancy.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/a-conversation-about-mental-health-during-pregnancy) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Dealing with Doctors and My Heart Health TC shares her experience with doctors in the days leading up to and after her diagnosis of congestive heart failure. ![Tannie](data:image/png;base64,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) TC shares her experience with doctors in the days leading up to and after her diagnosis of congestive heart failure.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/your-story-heart-health1) [Stories & ConversationsRead ## Living with Congestive Heart Failure TC shares how she felt immediately after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure. ![Alexandru-Acea-unsplash](data:image/png;base64,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) TC shares how she felt immediately after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-living-with-congestive-heart-failure) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Interacting with My Cardiologist TC discusses her relationship with the cardiologist she was assigned after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure. ![Tannie](data:image/png;base64,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) TC discusses her relationship with the cardiologist she was assigned after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/your-story-heart-health3)