Allyson Felix’s Maternal Health Advocacy
Allyson Felix, Olympic Gold medalist, recently shared her harrowing experience as a pregnant athlete, shedding light on the dangers Black women face during pregnancy in the United States.
In an interview with NBC’s Kristen Welker, Felix recounted her ordeal of having to undergo an emergency c-section in November 2018 due to preeclampsia, a life-threatening pregnancy condition.
Reflecting on her experience, Felix expressed a desire for more awareness, emphasizing the importance of knowing the signs and risks associated with complications during pregnancy, particularly for women of color.
She highlighted the lack of information provided by her healthcare team regarding the swelling of her feet, a potential indicator of preeclampsia, and stressed the need for better education on such matters.
A 2021 CDC report revealed a staggering statistic: the mortality rate for Black women during pregnancy is nearly three times higher than that of white women.
Shockingly, over 80% of pregnancy-related deaths among Black women were deemed preventable, based on data from 2017 through 2019. Preeclampsia, a condition that can affect organs such as the liver and kidneys, poses a significant threat after the 20th week of pregnancy or immediately postpartum.
Felix, who believed she had received excellent medical care, acknowledged that even with quality healthcare, complications can arise.
Severe features of preeclampsia left her healthcare providers in constant concern about the potential for a stroke or loss of vision.
The athlete’s personal struggles during pregnancy have transformed her into a vocal advocate for Black maternal health. She previously testified before the House of Representatives Ways & Means Committee, addressing racial disparities and social determinants affecting maternal health.
Four years ago, Felix described her pregnancy as a “lonely and isolating time,” having to conceal it from Nike, her primary sponsor, out of fear of contractual repercussions.
Tragically, Felix’s advocacy gained renewed urgency when her former teammate, Tori Bowie, passed away in May 2023 due to pregnancy complications.
At almost eight months pregnant, Bowie’s death raised speculations of eclampsia, a fatal condition if left untreated, further underscoring the critical need for awareness and improved maternal healthcare for Black women in America.
Re-reported from the article originally published in The Black enterprise news
