Disparities persist in Black maternal and infant health
The issue of Black maternal and infant health continues to be a prevalent issue in Pennsylvania, with death rates higher than the national average.”When you’re pregnant, for many people, it’s a very happy time. For some people, it’s a scary time, especially if they don’t have supports,” said Rep. La’Tasha Mayes, D-Allegheny.Mayes said the experience of pregnancy can be challenging for expectant mothers. “It’s deeply personal to me because I am a mom. My partner, when she had her baby, I was extremely scared and fearful that she wouldn’t make it,” Mayes said.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Black mothers are three times more likely to die during pregnancy or in the year after than white mothers. The rate of infant deaths per live birth was twice as high for Black infants. Many doctors said care for Black mothers and infants can be a challenge due to socioeconomic factors like access to health insurance, housing and food.”The disparities exist as it pertains to maternal care as well as infant care. That is something we have not seen any improvements on year after year,” said Dr. Tonya Wright, with Penn State Health’s obstetrics and gynecology division.Wright said four out of five maternal deaths are preventable. She said healthcare providers need to look at reducing implicit bias in how they deliver care and make sure Black mothers feel supported in the process of giving birth.”Black women are more likely to enter a pregnancy with underlying chronic medical conditions that are not adequately managed. We have a role to play in helping patients to have these risk factors mitigated prior to pregnancy and during pregnancy,” Wright said.State lawmakers have taken action to try to address the issue of Black maternal health. Last year, legislation supported by the Black Maternal Health Caucus was signed into law. The measure extended Medicaid coverage for doulas – trained non-medical professionals who provide emotional and informational support to mothers before, during and after childbirth.”It’s a proven method to help support better, greater and more equitable health outcomes for Black moms,” Mayes said.
The issue of Black maternal and infant health continues to be a prevalent issue in Pennsylvania, with death rates higher than the national average.
“When you’re pregnant, for many people, it’s a very happy time. For some people, it’s a scary time, especially if they don’t have supports,” said Rep. La’Tasha Mayes, D-Allegheny.
Mayes said the experience of pregnancy can be challenging for expectant mothers.
“It’s deeply personal to me because I am a mom. My partner, when she had her baby, I was extremely scared and fearful that she wouldn’t make it,” Mayes said.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Black mothers are three times more likely to die during pregnancy or in the year after than white mothers. The rate of infant deaths per live birth was twice as high for Black infants.
Many doctors said care for Black mothers and infants can be a challenge due to socioeconomic factors like access to health insurance, housing and food.
“The disparities exist as it pertains to maternal care as well as infant care. That is something we have not seen any improvements on year after year,” said Dr. Tonya Wright, with Penn State Health’s obstetrics and gynecology division.
Wright said four out of five maternal deaths are preventable. She said healthcare providers need to look at reducing implicit bias in how they deliver care and make sure Black mothers feel supported in the process of giving birth.
“Black women are more likely to enter a pregnancy with underlying chronic medical conditions that are not adequately managed. We have a role to play in helping patients to have these risk factors mitigated prior to pregnancy and during pregnancy,” Wright said.
State lawmakers have taken action to try to address the issue of Black maternal health.
Last year, legislation supported by the Black Maternal Health Caucus was signed into law. The measure extended Medicaid coverage for doulas – trained non-medical professionals who provide emotional and informational support to mothers before, during and after childbirth.
“It’s a proven method to help support better, greater and more equitable health outcomes for Black moms,” Mayes said.
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