A former labor and delivery nurse, who experienced a high-risk pregnancy and an emergency C-section during a previous pregnancy, recalls the sharp, persistent pain she felt during her pregnancy with her son Milan. Despite her medical background and understanding of the risks, her concerns were not met with the urgency they deserved.
She had already undergone a previous high-risk pregnancy and was aware of the potential risks associated with her current pregnancy, including the vertical incision on her uterus from the previous C-section. However, when she experienced a uterine rupture, the system failed to respond with the necessary level of care and urgency.
Black Maternal Health Week
Conversations during Black Maternal Health Week often center around the urgent truth that Black women are more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. This is a proven fact that should prompt immediate action. The disparity affects not only low-income women but also those with more resources and visibility.
As the founder of Mielle, a mission-driven organization, the goal is to empower women, especially Black women, to express their authentic selves. This mission is rooted in care, agency, and visibility, making conversations about Black maternal health essential. It’s essential to discuss the prolonged mental health challenges that Black women face after surviving the trauma of miscarriage or stillbirth, including postpartum depression.
Black women are often expected to remain “strong” while handling medical emergencies, only to be dismissed, told to wait, and trust a system that has not always earned their trust. They survive experiences that change their families and themselves forever, only to be expected to keep going as if survival is the end of the story.
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Research shows that one in five women reports mistreatment during maternity care, but for Black women, this figure climbs to nearly 30%, reflecting more frequent experiences of bias, disrespect, and lack of autonomy in clinical settings. Nearly half of women say they have held back from asking questions or sharing concerns due to fear of repercussions.
The data highlights that Black women are about three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women, and more than 80% of those deaths are considered preventable. Black infants also die at more than twice the rate of white infants, reflecting a healthcare system and culture that often normalizes Black women’s pain instead of responding to it.
In the context of Black maternal health, it’s essential to recognize that the current system can have devastating consequences. Nearly half of women report holding back from asking questions or sharing concerns due to fear of repercussions, and this figure is even higher for Black women. This culture of silence and mistrust can lead to delayed or inadequate treatment, and ultimately, to preventable deaths.
Creating a More Just and Equitable System
The founder of Mielle emphasizes the importance of acknowledging grief and providing space for Black women to be human. Rather than expecting them to be strong and resilient, they should be provided with the necessary support and resources to handle their experiences. This includes creating a system that listens to and believes Black women, and provides them with access to quality care and support.
