HEALTH: MATERNAL MORTALITY IN THE BLACK COMMUNITY

By Barbara A. Hannah, M.D., M.S. FACOG is the owner and CEO of Women’s Center/HealthCare Physicians, PLLC./BlackDoctor.Org

suboptimal access to health care and a higher propensity to have chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and obesity are affecting the Black community at a disproportionately higher rate.

Providing access to health care is paramount in decreasing maternal mortality. Health deserts are far too common and these areas require women to travel great distances to obtain health care.

the U.S. numbers are rising again. The incidence of maternal death in the U.S. is 24 deaths per 100,000 live births. The maternal death rate in the U.S. far exceeds that of other higher-income countries. Among these countries are the Netherlands, Japan, Germany and Canada to name a few where the death rate is one-third that of the U.S. This alarming statistic is three times higher in the African American community.

The causes of the increase in maternal mortality in the U.S., especially in the African American community, are quite entangled and difficult to isolate.

There are barriers to health care that are deeply rooted in discrimination and lead to socioeconomic factors that play a role in limiting health care access. Such factors as inadequate education,

As pregnancy ensues, more visits are required and transportation becomes an issue. Social issues contribute to the steep incline in maternal mortality such as substance abuse, domestic violence and mental health problems. There is no one answer to the problem of maternal mortality in the Black community. The increase in maternal mortality in the Black community is actually a manifestation of far deeper problems.

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