The U.S. spends more on health care than any other country in the world, yet we have the highest maternal mortality rate of all wealthy nations. According to the CDC, 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable. The alarming rise in severe maternal morbidity, which has nearly doubled in Massachusetts over the last decade, demonstrates a pressing public health crisis that demands immediate attention from policymakers.
Women of color experience disproportionately high levels of maternal morbidity and mortality. Studies show that for cesarean deliveries without recorded indications, Black women are more likely to undergo the procedure than their white counterparts, highlighting significant disparities in maternity care that neglect to recognize the complexities affecting Black women’s health.
The maternal health care system is under severe strain, with vulnerable groups facing a rapidly dwindling supply of essential services. This ongoing crisis not only exacerbates existing disparities but also contributes to a healthcare environment that jeopardizes the health outcomes for mothers across racial lines, particularly affecting women of color.
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