Black women in America face a healthcare system that often fails them, especially during pregnancy and childbirth. The statistics are alarming: Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. This is not just about access to healthcare—it’s about systemic racism and implicit bias. It’s also about how the system treats Black women when they seek medical care.
Take Francisca Shaw’s story as an example. During the birth of her third child in 2015, Shaw knew something was wrong. Despite her pleas that she couldn’t breathe, her doctor dismissed her concerns. Soon after, her uterus ruptured, leading to a series of life-threatening complications. Shaw survived, but her story is a heartbreaking reminder of how often Black women’s voices go unheard in medical settings.
Georgia, with one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the country, highlights how this problem plays out. Nearly 16% of women in the state have to travel more than 30 minutes to reach a hospital. That lack of access, combined with racial bias, puts Black women at an even greater risk. It’s not just about distance but the quality of care they receive when they finally get there.
Efforts to improve Black maternal health, like Vice President Kamala Harris’s work on the 2020 Momnibus Act, are steps in the right direction. But much more is needed. The healthcare system must address these inequities, starting with listening to Black women and providing them the care they deserve.
Have you or someone you know ever felt dismissed or ignored in a healthcare setting? How did that experience affect you?
What steps do you think need to be taken to ensure Black maternal health is prioritized?
