Black women face higher maternal mortality risks in Brazil

A study spanning 20 years reveals that Black and mixed-race women in Brazil face nearly double the risk of death during pregnancy, childbirth, or the postpartum period compared to other groups. Between 2000 and 2020, Brazil recorded over 40,000 maternal deaths, with nearly 60% occurring among Black women.

The research, published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, suggests that these disparities are structural rather than purely medical. While Brazil has seen a reduction in maternal mortality rates following the COVID-19 pandemic, the current rate of 57 deaths per 100,000 live births remains a concern.

Complementary research published in Ciência & Saúde Coletiva highlights the role of obstetric racism. Interviews with Black women in public maternity wards reported experiences of humiliation, negligence, and loss of autonomy during childbirth. These qualitative findings suggest that racial discrimination and social inequalities significantly impact the quality of care and maternal outcomes.