The risk of pregnancy-related deaths for Black women is alarmingly two to three times greater than that of other women. Health professionals in Maryland emphasize that many of these fatalities could be avoided through increased awareness, partner involvement, and timely medical attention.
In both local and national contexts, Black women face a significantly elevated risk of dying during pregnancy and in the year following childbirth compared to women from other racial backgrounds.
Dr. Darrell Gray, president of Wellpoint Maryland, the state’s largest Medicaid-managed care organization, explained to WTOP, “Our regional data shows that Black women are two to three times more likely to die from complications related to pregnancy, with the unfortunate reality that many of these fatalities are preventable.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlights various factors that contribute to the higher maternal mortality rates among Black mothers, including disparities in access to high-quality healthcare and underlying health issues.
Dr. Gray noted that these disparities persist regardless of a person’s socio-economic status or education level. He stated, “We know that biases and racism have a significant impact on healthcare outcomes. Additionally, social determinants such as housing stability and food security also play a role.”
In the context of this year’s Black Maternal Health Week, he is calling on the partners of Black mothers and expectant mothers to become more involved.
According to Gray, partners may be the first to recognize health issues and can ensure that their loved ones receive the necessary medical evaluations.
“They can notify healthcare providers about warning signs such as headaches, chest pain, unusual abdominal discomfort, swelling, and shortness of breath. These symptoms can indicate emergencies that partners should take seriously,” he remarked.
Gray emphasized the importance of not just advocating on behalf of Black women, but also empowering them to communicate their needs to healthcare professionals.
“When individuals are educated, engaged, and present, we can significantly alter the disparities that currently exist,” he added.
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