Black women in the United States experience unacceptably poor maternal health outcomes, including disproportionately high rates of death related to pregnancy or childbirth. In 2015, more than 26 deaths were recorded per 100,000 pregnant people. This means that compared with their own mothers, American birthing people today are 50% more likely to die in childbirth. And the risk is consistently 3 TO 4 TIMES HIGHER for Black women than White women (make that 4 to 5 for women over 30). These statistics are irrespective of income or education; meaning that significant disparities exist even among Black and Indigenous women with higher levels of education and income. Photo // @morgangoodwin
So what can we do to help?
An estimated 60% of maternal deaths in the US are preventable. Exposure to implicit bias and structural + interpersonal racism makes pregnancy and childbirth even more dangerous for Black mothers. Supporting Black birth workers is essential in ensuring that BIPOC birthing people are SEEN + HEARD, advocated for, and feel supported throughout their journey.
Below are some great pages to check out on Instagram, if you’re looking to support BIPOC mothers and birth workers.
Educate + Donate
@blackmamasmatter
@everymomcounts
@blkwomenshealth
@4kira4moms
Birth Workers
@shishi.rose
@bstereo
@glowmaven
@ericachidi
@neramniminde
@thesydneyporter
@doulasuzanne
@birthbygrace
@thepeoplesmidwife
@drkameelahsays
@drkiarraking
@lotuspelvicpt
@thepelvicperspective