Black Women’s Health: The Unseen Battle Against Maternal Mortality

The unseen battle of maternal mortality in Black women faces a healthcare system that is often inefficient and discriminatory. Black mothers like Michelle Bradley Emebo, who experienced complications during pregnancy due to high blood pressure, highlight the need for comprehensive data collection and evidence-based programs to reduce maternal and infant mortality.

• According to the American Heart Association, Black women are 58% more likely to have high blood pressure compared to white women, and they are more likely to develop fibroids.
• The risk of developing preeclampsia, a severe and organ-damaging form of hypertension, is also higher in Black women.
• Untreated hypertension during pregnancy can lead to premature births, lower birth weights, and growth and developmental problems in babies.

In Illinois, a state-led initiative aims to improve birth outcomes by collecting comprehensive data on pregnancy-related complications. However, the Trump administration’s decision to remove health data related to diversity, equity, and inclusion from government websites could undermine state efforts. The CDC has also halted the collection of data from postpartum mothers through the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS), a national CDC data-collection project that aims to reduce infant morbidity and mortality. To address these disparities, Illinois is prioritizing investments in the Birth Equity Initiative, which provides $4.5 million to 12 organizations across the state to help eliminate disparities in maternal health. Black women are more likely to experience gaps in access to care, with research showing that doula programs providing emotional, physical massage, and other support can be a bridge to healthier pregnancy outcomes. The healthcare system and providers must also address structural racism and biases. Dr. Robin L. Jones, an obstetrician and gynecologist at Rush University Medical Center, emphasized the importance of providing care that is respectful of the individual patient’s values, beliefs, and background. Emebo’s experience highlights the need for emotional support and resilience-building strategies. After switching doctors, getting a nutritionist, and joining a gym, she was able to shed 75 pounds and reduce her blood pressure. The state-led initiative in Illinois is a step in the right direction, but more work needs to be done to address the unseen battle of maternal mortality in Black women.

Black Maternal Health Week Events in Chicago

Across Chicago, local organizations are hosting events as part of Black Maternal Health Week. *

"Improving maternal and child health is a core priority for the Illinois Department of Public Health, and this was demonstrated by our recent announcement that the State of Illinois is prioritizing investments to improve birth outcomes through Governor Pritzker’s Birth Equity Initiative," said a state health department spokesperson.

* Community Baby Shower: In partnership with the Chicago Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Inc., Planned Parenthood of Illinois is hosting its second annual community baby shower. * Free Doula Services: Planned Parenthood of Illinois, together with Chicago Birthworks Collective on the South Side, kicked off its initiative Saturday by offering eligible Bridges to Prenatal Care program patients no-cost doula services, from prenatal visits to postpartum care support. * Northwestern Black Maternal Health Open House: The Improving Black Maternal Health Open House includes tours of the labor and delivery floor, Q&As with OB-GYN physicians and networking opportunities. By highlighting these events and initiatives, we can shed light on the unseen battle of maternal mortality in Black women and work towards a more equitable healthcare system.