Addressing Disparities in Black Maternal Health: Strategies for Improvement

From April 11 to 17, we raised awareness about critical issues of Black maternal health. Shockingly, women between the ages of 30 to 34 face a maternal mortality rate 2.9 times higher than that of White women in the United States.

The higher mortality rate among Black women and babies during pregnancy may stem from pregnancy complications or possible negligence within the healthcare system. Despite medical advancements, racial disparities persist, as noted by Bay Area Community Health Women's Health program manager Line Chea.

To combat Black maternal mortality, a comprehensive approach is necessary, involving patients, providers, and public health policies. Expanding Medicaid coverage beyond the federally mandated 60 days postpartum can ensure adequate care for new mothers, particularly among the 65% of Black birthing people in the U.S. who rely on Medicaid for pregnancy and postpartum care compared to 42% of all U.S. mothers overall. 

In addition, with nearly half of maternal deaths happening within the first year postpartum, maternal health advocates have long advocated for this expansion of postpartum Medicaid benefits to ensure women have access to adequate care as they navigate new motherhood.  

States that have expanded Medicaid show lower rates of maternal death, particularly among Black women. However, challenges persist, including the lack of national paid parental leave policies.

Efforts to provide paid family leave have gained momentum, with 13 states and the District of Columbia implementing their own laws. Linde highlights that these states have “lower rates of maternal death, particularly for Black women. States with less generous benefits, on the other hand, have worse maternal health outcomes and higher uninsured rates for women of reproductive age—again, particularly for Black women”.

Evidence shows that job-protected paid parental leave is essential for healthy moms, babies, and communities—and that Black women are less likely to have access to paid leave through their jobs than white women, adding to their risk of the worst maternal health outcomes, she emphasized. 

Moreover, telehealth services offer promise in fostering healthy pregnancies and reducing racial disparities, as demonstrated by their effectiveness in postpartum care during the pandemic.

Many telehealth policies were made official through the landmark COVID-19 relief bill known as the CARES Act. While they have yet to be codified into federal law, the 2022 Omnibus spending bill extended COVID-era rules that made it easier for many Americans to access telehealth services.  

Resources available at BACH

At BACH, we are dedicated to combating these disparities by offering a range of prenatal care services, including Obstetrics Medical Visits, Postpartum Care, Health Education, Nutrition & Behavioral Health Counseling, and Breastfeeding Support. We are proud providers of Alameda County’s Comprehensive Perinatal Services Program (CPSP) and Family PACT, ensuring access to quality care for all mothers, regardless of income and immigration status.

Our Women’s Health team conducts outreach presentations on various topics, including access to healthcare, prenatal and postpartum care, emotional and mental well-being, and more. We also partner with local programs and school districts to promote awareness and reduce health disparities.

For appointments or more information on our prenatal services, please call us at (510) 770-8040 / (408) 729-4290 or visit our website.