Black Maternal Health Week, held from April 11th to the 17th, is a moment to focus on an issue that’s been ignored for far too long. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women.
Dr. Damali Campbell-Oparaji, an associate professor at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School (NJMS), highlights the systemic factors contributing to these disparities. “Maternal health is one measure of a nation’s overall well-being. “When left unaddressed, poor maternal health can create a ripple effect on families and reduce women’s productivity at home and work,” she says.
Dr. Campbell-Oparaji adds, “Even college education and increased socioeconomic status do not protect Black women from less favorable outcomes.”
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Roadblocks to Motherhood
Black mothers face very specific challenges during and after pregnancy. One of the most pressing issues is recognizing critical warning signs early enough to prevent complications. “It’s important that pregnant women, their families, and healthcare providers recognize post-birth warning signs, since symptoms might be early warnings of postpartum complications,” Dr. Campbell-Oparaji explains. The issue of “institutionalized racism in healthcare” also creates barriers, leaving many Black mothers feeling unheard or dismissed during appointments. Dr. Campbell-Oparaji emphasizes the need to change how providers approach care: “Some colleagues say, ‘I treat everyone the same,’ but that mindset is part of the problem. We need to meet patients where they are.”
Another challenge Black mothers face is limited access to paid parental leave, which can impact their health and recovery after giving birth. According to the National Partnership for Women & Families,
Black employees are less likely than their white counterparts to have paid leave.
This is especially true for those in low-wage or part-time jobs, where access to paid family leave is nearly nonexistent. Only 9% of workers in the lowest income bracket had access to leave in 2020. As you can see, the challenges Black mothers face extend far beyond the walls of hospitals and doctors’ offices; they touch every part of a mother’s life. At the very least, we must ensure that equitable care becomes the standard in our maternal health.
Making Maternal Care Equitable
Rutgers New Jersey Medical School is working to close these gaps with several initiatives. Dr. Campbell-Oparaji describes some programs designed to support Black mothers, including “a doula program providing prenatal, labor, and postpartum support, a pregnancy clinic addressing gaps in prenatal care, and the Healthy Moms Clinic, which offers ongoing care for mothers with medical conditions.”
In addition to patient care, NJMS is committed to addressing the maternal health crisis through research, patient care, and community service. It intends to educate the next generation of doctors to be passionate about health equity.
Making Your Voice Heard
For Black mothers-to-be navigating the healthcare system, Dr. Campbell-Oparaji has some advice: “Write down your questions before your visit to ensure you don’t forget them. Ask for an explanation if your provider recommends something you don’t understand. Also, if possible, bring a family member or friend to appointments as an extra set of ears.”
Advocating for yourself can be challenging, but being prepared can make all the difference. Your questions matter, and you deserve clear answers from your care team.
Why This Week Matters
Black Maternal Health Week, created by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, serves as a wake-up call for patients, providers, and policymakers. As Dr. Campbell-Oparaji notes, the week “is significant because it allows us to examine our practices and see how we can change to meet the needs of all patients, including Black women who are experiencing increased morbidity and mortality.”
Supporting Black maternal health means addressing disparities head-on, through advocacy, culturally competent care, and policy changes.
Dr. Campbell-Oparaji emphasizes the importance of using evidence-based protocols and social services to facilitate care, ensuring “that policies and procedures don’t unintentionally disenfranchise certain patients.” Everyone has a role in this fight, whether you’re an expectant mother, a healthcare provider, or a community advocate. Together, we can create a future where Black mothers don’t just survive, they thrive.
Resources
Maternal Mortality Rates in the United States, 2021
Closing the Gap: Addressing Black Maternal Health Disparities | Rutgers University
Paid Leave Is Essential for Healthy Moms and Babies | National Partnership for Women & Families
New bill would require New Jersey hospitals, birthing centers to allow doulas • New Jersey Monitor
New Jersey Medical School Opens Clinic for Early Pregnancy Care | Rutgers University
Black Mamas Matter Alliance – Advancing Black Maternal Health, Rights & Justice
