AV on Health: Black Maternal Health Equity

Each year in the United States, hundreds of women die during pregnancy or within the first year of giving birth, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Thousands of women experience unexpected outcomes of labor and delivery, with serious health consequences; and 80% of pregnancy related deaths in the U.S. are preventable. For Black women, the numbers are alarming. Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy than white women. According to the CDC, several factors contribute to this disparity, including lack of quality healthcare and underlying chronic conditions. Social determinants of health such as unstable housing, food insecurity and low incomes prevent Black and other minority women from having fair opportunities for economic, physical and emotional health. April 11-17 is Black Maternal Health Week, so on this episode of Another View on Health, find out how maternal health care disparities impact Black women in Hampton Roads, and learn how the Black Maternal Health Equity Action Alliance is making a difference.