Black Maternal Health:

Upholding Black History: Advocating for Black Maternal Health

The United States’ deeply rooted history of anti-Black racism permeates every aspect of society, including our healthcare system. This systemic racism has created enduring disparities in care, patient experience, and health outcomes for Black communities. Black individuals encounter numerous barriers to accessing healthcare, face socio-economic challenges that affect their health, and often experience discrimination within medical institutions.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these disparities, disproportionately impacting Black communities. In addition, ongoing instances of police violence against Black individuals, historical injustices like slavery and segregation, and the mass incarceration crisis further compound these issues.

The maternal health sector exemplifies these disparities, particularly concerning Black women and birthing individuals who face grave threats to their health and safety. Pregnancy and childbirth, moments meant to be joyous, often become traumatic experiences for many Black families.

This Black History Month, amid a critical election year, it is imperative to address the crisis in Black maternal health and advocate for the well-being of Black women and families.

There is no justification for Black women to fear that their healthcare providers will ignore their concerns or jeopardize their lives due to their race. As a Black mother and reproductive health advocate, I have personally encountered the systemic biases within the healthcare system. From community health centers to state-of-the-art medical facilities, racism permeates every level.

Black women have endured centuries of dehumanization and dismissal. It is time to empower individuals to assert their autonomy and demand respectful treatment. Listening to our bodies can be lifesaving, and it is essential to challenge racial biases within healthcare systems.

We must address the alarming statistics surrounding Black maternal mortality rates. Black parents are disproportionately affected by pregnancy-related deaths, highlighting systemic failures in care provision. Culturally humble care, responsive to patients’ lived experiences, is essential to address these disparities and promote justice.

Black parents deserve comprehensive support throughout their reproductive journeys. Access to resources, culturally competent care, and policy changes are crucial steps toward achieving birth justice. Every family deserves to thrive with dignity and opportunity, and this begins with equitable healthcare for Black women.

This Black History Month, let us commit to fighting for the compassionate care and support that Black women deserve. Our collective well-being depends on it.

_{Repurposed article originally published in Rewire News Group}