Black Maternal Health Week raises awareness of Black women's maternal mortality rate in US

Black Maternal Health week is observed April 11 through the 17th

ByRamona Meadors WLS logo
Sunday, April 14, 2024
Why Black mothers face higher risk of pregnancy-related death
Black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than white women, according to the CDC.

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Black Maternal Health Week raises awareness about the health crisis many Black mothers face.

Black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than white women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

A long history of systemic racism and bias is largely to blame.

Studies show Black women are often dismissed or ignored when suffering from severe injuries or pregnancy-related complications.

The issue is not only gaining national attention, but also local. JB Pritzker called for $23 million to advance birth equity in Illinois.

This comes as Chicago makes plans to build a new birthing center on the city's South Side.

Dr. LaTasha Nelson from Northwestern Medical Group visited ABC 7 to talk more about the efforts to solve this dire issue.

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