Our Bodies STILL Belong to Us: Black Maternal Health Week 2024
Every year, from April 11th to April 17th, communities across the United States come together to observe Black Maternal Health Week. Thanks to Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Inc., this crucial week serves as a platform to raise awareness about the unique challenges Black mothers and birthing people face before, during, and after pregnancy. It's a time to amplify the voices of Black mothers, advocate for better policies and healthcare practices, and ultimately strive for equity in maternal health outcomes.
The statistics surrounding Black maternal health in the United States are alarming. We continue to be bombarded by stories of Black mothers whose lives have been tragically and unnecessarily cut short. Despite advances in medical technology and healthcare access, Black women continue to experience disproportionately high rates of maternal mortality and morbidity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Black mothers are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white mothers; 80% of which are preventable. These disparities persist regardless of income, education, or socioeconomic status–highlighting the deeply rooted issues in our healthcare system.
Structural racism, implicit bias, lack of representation in the medical field, insufficient access to quality prenatal and postpartum care, and socioeconomic factors (which are, unfortunately, conflated with race in the United States) all contribute to the heightened risk faced by Black mothers. These systemic inequities result in delayed diagnoses, inadequate treatment, and overall poorer health outcomes.
These outcomes don’t just impact one's physical health, but their mental health, too. For instance, rates of postpartum depression and anxiety are higher among Black women, with some estimates more than double compared to their White counterparts. Yet, Black women are less likely to be properly identified and/or connected to mental care services. (Source)
With The Alliance Center being a Black woman-led maternal mental health practice, this cause is especially near and dear to us. We have made it our mission to provide culturally competent treatment and are working tirelessly to develop a model of care that considers the needs of those who are most at risk: women of color. In our own unique way, we are working towards dismantling the most common barriers for Black mothers by making specialized perinatal mental health care accessible to all. We pride ourselves in accepting insurance and are developing a diverse and culturally competent team of multidisciplinary professionals. We are committed to diversifying the workforce by staying open to opportunities for internship and mentorship, while advocating and fundraising for scholarships for perinatal clinicians of color. And, we are just getting started.
Black Maternal Health Week is a reminder of how much further we need to go to close the gaps and eliminate disparities in maternal health outcomes. At The Alliance Center, we know that fostering supportive communities is essential for improving maternal health outcomes. Community-based organizations and holistic maternal health centers like our own play a vital role in providing culturally competent care, resources, and support. By offering a safe space for dialogue, education, and healing, these initiatives empower Black mothers to navigate their maternal journey with confidence, resilience and joy. As we commemorate this important week, we are recommitting ourselves to the ongoing fight for justice, dignity, and empowerment in Black maternal health.
