The racial and ethnic divide within health care remains largely unaddressed. One aspect I wish to highlight is the impact of mortality rates after childbirth, particularly among African American women. They face the highest mortality rates postpartum, presenting a concerning health disparity that verges on a public health crisis. According to the CDC, black women are two to three times more likely to succumb to pregnancy-related complications compared to other races. Many of these deaths are preventable, underscoring the need for heightened attention to the care of black women following childbirth. If most complications are preventable, why do pregnancy-related issues persist? Systemic racism may be a significant factor contributing to the high mortality rates among African American women. However, it’s important to note that systemic racism isn’t the sole factor affecting these women. Black women are more prone to pre-existing cardiovascular conditions, which further heightens the risk of maternal mortality. Additionally, many black women experience adverse pregnancy outcomes like preeclampsia, increasing their susceptibility to cardiovascular diseases.
How can we bridge the gap and come up with solutions to help address the high mortality rate that is seen in African American women? It first starts with Obstetric providers. These providers must ensure effective communication with their patients. Establishing trust between patient and provider is crucial for successful outcomes. Obstetricians should acknowledge the concerns of black women and recognize their elevated risk of pregnancy complications compared to other races. This heightened awareness will enable obstetric providers to monitor black women more closely following childbirth. Another way to bridge this gap is by addressing cardiovascular complications. Primary care providers can assist in managing chronic conditions such as Type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic hypertension, and stroke, thereby reducing pregnancy complications like preeclampsia and gestational diabetes.
Expanding Medicaid postpartum coverage is a critical step in addressing maternal mortality disparities. Extending coverage beyond the immediate postpartum period allows for continued monitoring and intervention in case of complications. This ensures that black women have access to ongoing care, enabling providers to prioritize their high-risk status and address any complications promptly.
In addition to the solutions aimed at addressing the high mortality rate among African American women, it is crucial to consider the social determinants of health that disproportionately affect them. Factors such as socioeconomic status, education level, neighborhood environment, and access to nutritious food all contribute to maternal health outcomes. When discussing the management of chronic disease states, external influences play a significant role. Addressing these social determinants requires a community effort, as change does not occur overnight. Continuous dialogue and action are necessary to create an environment that reduces maternal mortality rates among African American women.
In conclusion, African American women face significant disadvantages in terms of mortality and pregnancy-related complications. Recognizing the impact of race on health care disparities, we must work towards overcoming the high mortality rates among African American women. Advocacy for policies that further impact the care of African American women post-birth, especially in managing chronic conditions and addressing the divide in social determinants of health, is essential. By raising awareness and maintaining a focus on patient-centered care, we can effectively address this pressing issue.
Desrae Yvette Woods is a doctoral pharmacy student.
