Why Maternal Mortality Awareness Month Matters—Especially for Black Women

Every April, we recognize Maternal Mortality Awareness Month. It is a time to shine a light on the lives lost as a result of preventable pregnancy-related complications and the families left behind. 

For Black women in America, this awareness isn't just about data and headlines—it's about our lived experiences and legacy, and there is an urgent need for change.

Now, I know this is not an easy topic to tackle. Many people choose to avoid it. But avoiding the conversation won't save lives; facing it might.

So today, let's discuss what's happening, why it matters, and how we can step up together.

The Numbers That Should Stop Us in Our Tracks

Let's start with the hard truth: The United States has one of the highest maternal mortality rates among industrialized countries. That alone is troubling. But the story doesn't end there.

According to recent statistics by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as of 2023, the maternal mortality rate for Black women in the United States was 50.3 deaths per 100,000 live births.

This rate is more than three times higher than that of non-Hispanic White women, who had a rate of 14.5 deaths per 100,000 live births.

This disparity remains even when controlling for education, income, or access to prenatal care. In other words, this isn't about class or individual behavior—it happens to high-income earners with advanced degrees. This issue is systemic.

These are not just statistics. These are mothers, daughters, sisters, and best friends—women who had high hopes, dreams, careers, families, and futures. And when they die, children, partners, parents, and communities carry the weight of that loss for generations.

This is a crisis. Yet, it's one that too often flies under the radar and is not spoken about. We collectively sigh and mutter, "Another one of us is gone."

Why Is This Happening?

There's no single answer, but several patterns show up.

• Implicit bias in healthcare. Black women are more likely to have their symptoms dismissed or minimized. Across the healthcare continuum, I cannot tell you the countless women I have encountered who have shared how they spoke up about symptoms, and no one listened.

• Delayed diagnosis. Pregnancy-related conditions like preeclampsia, postpartum hemorrhage, and blood clots can be missed or diagnosed too late.

• Lack of continuity and follow-up care. No doubt due to disparities in access to medical care, many women fall through the cracks once the baby is born. But maternal risks don't end at delivery—they often peak after childbirth.

• Systemic racism and chronic stress. Years of navigating a healthcare system not built for you eventually take a toll, both physically and emotionally. It's not just about one pregnancy. It's about cumulative trauma.

The Ripple Effect of a Mother's Death

Think about this, when a mother dies, it's not just the loss of one life—it's the unraveling of a web of relationships that have a ripple effect.

It affects:

• Children who may grow up without their primary caregiver

• Partners left grieving and navigating parenthood alone

• Extended families, often stepping in to help

• Communities that feel the absence

So many of these deaths are preventable.

The Role of Health Advocacy in Saving Lives

Advocacy isn't just about marching or lobbying (though that's important, too). It's being a voice for the unheard, asking questions, and ensuring comprehensive and compassionate care delivery.

A health advocate can:

• Help ensure a pregnant person's voice is heard, especially in busy or dismissive environments

• Track symptoms, appointments, and test results

• Raise red flags when something doesn't feel right

• Ask challenging questions when families feel overwhelmed or unsure

• Coordinate between healthcare providers to make sure nothing gets missed

How You Can Advocate for a Loved One

If someone you know and care about is pregnant or has recently given birth, you can play a powerful role in protecting their health. You don't need a medical degree—you need your presence, intuition, curiosity, and persistence.

Here are a few ways you can advocate on their behalf:

1. Be Present.

If you can, go with them to appointments. But be fully present. Ask questions, get clarification, take notes, and be the extra set of eyes and ears.

2. Help Track Symptoms.

Look out for symptoms like Fatigue, swelling, pain, a change in the frequency of urination, abdominal pain, jaundice, and shortness of breath. Track these, write them down, and immediately alert the responsible healthcare providers. Do not wait until appointments to have these concerns addressed. 

3. Encourage Their Voice.

Make space for your loved one to feel empowered to speak up for themselves. Sometimes, due to pure exhaustion, they may be unable to explain their feelings precisely. And if they're not being heard, back them up. An example is: "She said she doesn't feel quite right and that something has been wrong for a few days—can we take a closer look and perhaps order some testing?"

4. Know the Warning Signs.

Familiarize yourself with symptoms of serious conditions like:

• Preeclampsia: High blood pressure, vision changes, headaches

• Postpartum hemorrhage: Excessive bleeding, dizziness

• Infection: Fever, chills, pain

• Perinatal mood disorders: Depression, anxiety, or feelings of hopelessness

5. Follow Up.

Make sure test results are reviewed and explained. Ensure referrals are scheduled. It's the little things that fall through the cracks.

When to Bring in an Independent Health Advocate

Sometimes, family love and support may not be enough. That's when an independent health advocate can step in.

Having an independent health advocate means having someone at your side who understands the system. Would you go to court without a lawyer? Then why face a medical crisis without an advocate?

If you feel unsure, frustrated, or overwhelmed, that's often a sign that it's time for extra support.

Maternal Deaths are not Inevitable—They are Preventable.

Maternal death, especially among Black women, isn't some unchangeable reality. It results from systems that need fixing, and people who need to be listened to.

We can make a difference. But it takes all of us:

• Advocates

• Healthcare providers

• Families

• Our policymakers

• Communities

It starts by speaking up. By listening better. By refusing to normalize the loss of Black mothers.

Final Thoughts: Every Mother Deserves to Thrive

This Maternal Mortality Awareness Month, please take time to reflect and act. Here are some steps you can take:

• Share this information with someone you love

• Reach out if you know someone expecting a child

• Offer to go with them to appointments

• Support Black-led organizations working in maternal health

• Encourage open conversations around maternal care in your circle

If you or someone you love needs help navigating their healthcare, please don't hesitate to contact us. Click here to schedule a FREE Support Strategy Session.

A thriving motherhood for Black Women shouldn’t be a privilege—it should be a given