Maternal mortality affects Black women 3–4 times more than white women. In fact, 40% of maternal deaths are Black women, compared to 10% for white women.
Maternal mortality refers to the death of a woman during pregnancy, childbirth, or within 42 days after the end of pregnancy, from any cause related to or aggravated by the pregnancy or its management. It is a critical indicator of the overall health and effectiveness of a healthcare system.
In the United States, Black women experience maternal mortality at rates three to four times higher than white women. While underlying health conditions, access to care, and socioeconomic factors contribute, systemic racism and implicit bias in healthcare play significant roles. Black women are more likely to have their concerns dismissed, receive delayed diagnoses, and face inadequate treatment.
Addressing maternal mortality requires improving prenatal and postpartum care, ensuring respectful treatment, and dismantling barriers rooted in discrimination. Every mother deserves high-quality, equitable care to safely bring new life into the world.
Be alert for these warning signs during pregnancy and postpartum—they may indicate life-threatening complications:
In 2022 and 2023 alone, out of 100% of the women who died during childbirth, nearly half were Black women.