Addressing Maternal Mortality Rates of Black Women in the US: California's Example

Location

Online - Session 4B

Start Date

4-21-2021 2:50 PM

Major Field of Study

Interdisciplinary Studies

Student Type

Undergraduate - Honors

Faculty Mentor(s)

Carlos Rodriguez, MA and Cynthia Taylor, PhD

Presentation Format

Oral Presentation

Abstract/Description

This essay examines California’s legislation, activism, and the role of women’s clinics in serving Black communities in the fight against maternal mortality. Maternal mortality is a death related to pregnancy or childbirth. In the United States, maternal mortality rates have been increasing since the beginning of the 21st century and there is a significant racial disparity with Black women being at greater risk. Despite national rates increasing, California has managed to decrease maternal mortality rates (MMR) since the 2000s by adopting legislation and policies that work to decrease preventable deaths, activism and advocation for the protection of Black women by individuals such as doulas, and the funding of women’s clinics that can offer important health services for pregnant individuals. The steps that California has taken can serve as an example for the rest of the country to combat rising MMR.

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Apr 21st, 2:50 PM

Addressing Maternal Mortality Rates of Black Women in the US: California's Example

Online - Session 4B

This essay examines California’s legislation, activism, and the role of women’s clinics in serving Black communities in the fight against maternal mortality. Maternal mortality is a death related to pregnancy or childbirth. In the United States, maternal mortality rates have been increasing since the beginning of the 21st century and there is a significant racial disparity with Black women being at greater risk. Despite national rates increasing, California has managed to decrease maternal mortality rates (MMR) since the 2000s by adopting legislation and policies that work to decrease preventable deaths, activism and advocation for the protection of Black women by individuals such as doulas, and the funding of women’s clinics that can offer important health services for pregnant individuals. The steps that California has taken can serve as an example for the rest of the country to combat rising MMR.