Although more than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths nationwide are preventable, Black women remain three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than white women in the US.
The CDC lists multiple factors that contribute to racial disparities in pregnant women, including variations in healthcare quality, underlying chronic illnesses, institutional racism, and unconscious bias.
Every year, from April 11–17, Black Maternal Health Week is observed to raise awareness about and encourage action to improve Black maternal health. To minimize pregnancy-related mortality and enhance maternal health outcomes, everyone has a role to play, especially as health care providers!
For more resources, check out https://thebirthhour.com/black-maternal-health-resources/.
Source: https://www.cdc.gov/healthequity/features/maternal-mortality/index.html