What is maternal mortality?

Maternal mortality, as defined by the World Health Organization, encompasses the annual number of female deaths resulting from any cause related to or aggregated by pregnancy, occurring during pregnancy, after childbirth, or within 42 days of termination.

Let's delve into the disconcerting statistics:

The United States, despite being a developed nation, holds the unfortunate distinction of ranking the highest in maternal mortality among developed countries. According to a January 2020 report from the National Center for Health Statistics, 658 women succumbed to pregnancy or postpartum-related complications in 2018.

Shockingly, the disparities are stark, with black women experiencing a mortality rate 2.5 times higher than their white counterparts. On the other hand, Hispanic women exhibit the lowest mortality rate. This distressing trend is not new; historically, Black and Native women in the United States have faced disproportionately higher mortality rates. Researchers attribute these discrepancies to a combination of factors, including institutional racism within healthcare, susceptibility to health conditions (such as diabetes, obesity, hypertension), and disparities in access to quality prenatal care.

Strikingly, for black women, even higher socioeconomic status, characterized by more education and higher income, does not shield them from the threat of maternal mortality. This leads researchers to ponder whether racism plays a more significant role in maternal mortality than initially theorized.

Addressing this grave issue requires concerted efforts. PBI is committed to fostering a healthy pregnancy journey by providing unwavering support. Through the collaborative efforts of the community, we aim to amass resources that contribute to the gradual reduction of maternal mortality over time. Your support can make a meaningful impact in transforming these troubling statistics into a narrative of improved maternal health for all.