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.
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.