Black Maternal Mortality: Solutions and steps towards equality

The statistics regarding the high maternal mortality rate Black women face are shocking and disturbing. This is an issue that calls for systemic change and immediate action, and the time is now to take steps towards the safer, healthier pregnancies that Black women rightfully deserve. Listed below are some solutions to the Black maternal mortality crisis.

Representation in the healthcare industry is one way to create a more comfortable, empowering environment that encourage self-advocacy and communication between the physician and the patient.

Representation

Black women deserve to be treated by healthcare professionals who make them feel safe, heard and valued. It is crucial that medical professionals have some insight into the lived experiences of Black women and that they are culturally sensitive and competent. Black women deserve medical environments in which they feel comfortable voicing their concerns and opinions and asking for help when necessary. One way to foster such an environment is to ensure that Black women are present and represented in the healthcare industry, whether as doctors, doulas, or in other positions. Patients should, ultimately, feel empowered and confident.

Expanding Access to Care

It is necessary that we champion construction of community health clinics and health services, especially in underserved communities. Everyone is deserving of high-quality healthcare, regardless of race, gender or socioeconomic status. There is absolutely no reason why anyone should not have access to knowledge and professional help regarding physical and mental health.

Invest in Research

Research and data collection is key to gaining a deeper understanding of the unique healthcare challenges Black women face before, during and after pregnancy. Increased research would help to spread more awareness about the issue and also supply knowledge which could be used to create targeted, scientific interventions in the future to steadily improve the maternal health of Black women.

Community-Based Support

Mental health is an important aspect of pregnancy that must not be neglected. One possible mental health initiative would be to create community-based programs and support groups where women can share their concerns and opinions in a safe space without fear of judgment, thereby helping women feel less alone. Support systems are extremely beneficial for mitigating feelings of stress, anxiety or fear that women may be experiencing during pregnancy. These community-based programs could also provide educational materials and information about how to take care of one’s health before, during and after pregnancy. Such resources could help boost women’s confidence and alleviate stress.