Black maternal health disparities linked to racism and communication gaps

Black women in the United States face disproportionately high maternal mortality rates compared to white women. In North Carolina, state health officials report that Black women are nearly twice as likely to die from pregnancy complications. Experts and researchers highlight that medical bias, structural racism, and inadequate communication between providers and patients are significant contributing factors to these outcomes.

Research from the Dove Lab at the University of Michigan’s School of Nursing suggests that addressing racism in patient-provider dialogue is essential. One study found that Black women want healthcare providers to acknowledge how structural racism affects the healthcare system and their pregnancy risks. Another study involving midwives noted that some practitioners are reluctant to discuss the impact of structural racism on pregnancy outcomes.

Advocates, including birth doula Courtney Hall and North Carolina Senator Natalie Murdock, emphasize that pre- and postpartum care must be treated as a necessity rather than a luxury. They note that even highly educated or professional Black women often find their medical concerns minimized during childbirth, underscoring the need for better advocacy and improved communication protocols to ensure patient safety.