The United States has one of the highest maternal death rates of any developed nation, and poor maternal health outcomes disproportionally affect women of color. For Black women, structural inequities and systematic racism threaten access to necessary care before, during and after childbirth. Racial and ethnic biases across the health care system have left Black women facing these stark and worsening outcomes regardless of socioeconomic status.
BCBS companies are committed to partnering with policymakers and other stakeholders to address the underlying bias and structural racism that lead to the glaring maternal health disparities threatening women of color.
BLACK WOMEN ARE 2-3X more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women, and for those over 30, the rate is 4-5x more.
Preeclampsia is 60 PERCENT MORE COMMON among BLACK WOMEN.
Source: American Heart Association
Maternal health disparities were PERSISTENT and DID NOT CHANGE significantly between 2007/2008 and 2015/2016.
Pass the Black Maternal Momnibus Act of 2021.
Expand access to maternal health medical homes, birth centers, community-based doulas and accountable care organizations as well as permanently expand coverage through Medicaid managed care plans.
Support continued development of a diverse health care workforce and culturally appropriate training.
Learn more about what we recommend to address health disparities to improve Black maternal health
