The Black Maternal Health Crisis in North Carolina: A Call for Change

Beyond the Numbers: A Crisis Rooted in Inequity

This crisis isn’t simply a matter of birth outcomes. It’s about policies and practices that have historically marginalized Black communities over generations to create systemic inequities. These inequities include:

• Limited access to quality healthcare: North Carolina has a large uninsured population, and Black communities are disproportionately affected. This lack of access to prenatal care, doulas, and midwives contributes to poorer health outcomes.
• Implicit bias: Studies show that Black women often experience implicit bias in healthcare settings. This can lead to dismissive treatment, missed diagnoses, and inadequate pain management.
• Social determinants of health: Factors like poverty, food insecurity, and chronic stress all contribute to a woman’s health during pregnancy. Black communities are more likely to face these challenges, further jeopardizing maternal health.

The Voices of Experts

Recently, a panel of experts — all Black women — gathered in Charlotte to address the maternal health gap for Black people. Their insights shed light on the urgent need for change:

• Representation Matters: Better representation of Black women in healthcare is essential. When providers understand the unique life experiences of Black birthing people, they can offer more effective care.
• Dismantling Internal Biases: Healthcare providers must confront their internal biases. Unconscious prejudices can lead to dismissive attitudes, as seen in Jonisha Brown’s case, where her heart attack symptoms were initially dismissed³.
• Understanding the Crisis: Doug Robinson, a retired doctor, organized the forum to keep the conversation alive. The problem is not new, but sustained efforts are necessary to bridge the gap.

It would be remiss to exclude voices with lived experience. Here are some personal stories for Black mothers in North Carolina, shedding light on their experiences, challenges, and resilience:

• Cindy McMillan and Sistas Caring 4 Sistas:
  • Cindy McMillan, the executive director of Sistas Caring 4 Sistas, a community-based doula service in Asheville, has been working tirelessly to improve health outcomes for women of color and their babies.
  • Shocked by the high infant mortality rates among babies born to women of color in her community, McMillan founded this organization. She aims to empower pregnant people of color with evidence-based practices to reduce birth complications⁵.
  • The racial disparities in maternal health care persist, with Black women and childbearing individuals being three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than their White counterparts⁵.
• Bianca Davidson’s Struggle:
  • Bianca Davidson, a young mother, faced challenges when her premature baby arrived. Being in foster care and lacking awareness about the risks associated with premature birth, she navigated a difficult journey to ensure her child’s well-being⁶.
• Ocir Black’s Book on Mothers’ Advice to Sons:
  • Ocir Black, a teenager from North Carolina, wrote a book that celebrates the relationship between mothers and their sons. His work delves into the challenges young Black men face while growing up in America⁷.
• Insights from Middle-Class Black Mothers:
  • A study involving 35 predominantly middle-class Black mothers in the continental United States revealed how anti-Black racism affects Black families. These mothers shared their experiences, highlighting the insidious impact of racism on their lives and the lives of their children⁸.
• April Parker’s Journey of Identity:
  • April Parker’s family history is intertwined with her heritage. Growing up, she spent summers in Chadbourn, North Carolina, where she learned to embrace her mixed-race American Indian identity. Her story reflects resilience and self-discovery⁵.

These personal narratives underscore the urgent need for systemic change, increased awareness, and support for Black mothers and families in North Carolina. Let us continue to amplify their voices and work toward equitable maternal health care for all.

Building a Brighter Future for Black Mothers

North Carolina has received over $4 million to improve maternal health⁴, particularly in underserved areas. Change is possible; however, systemic change requires collective action. Here are some ways you can get involved:

• Community Education: Raise awareness about maternal health disparities and advocate for culturally competent care.
• Policy Reform: Advocate for policies that address healthcare inequities, expand Medicaid, and increase access to prenatal services.
• Support Networks: Strengthen community support networks for pregnant Black women, providing emotional and practical assistance.

The Black maternal health crisis is not insurmountable. By amplifying voices, challenging biases, and advocating for change, we can create a safer, more equitable environment for all birthing people in North Carolina. Black mamas matter, and their health deserves to be a top priority.

References:

1. Experts of color gather to tackle the maternal health gap for Black people
2. Black Maternal Health – North Carolina Black Alliance
3. Black and Pregnant in America: A National Health Care Crisis
4. North Carolina Receives More Than $4 Million to Improve Maternal Health
5. Black doulas in NC fight high maternal and infant mortality rate by building relationship, community
6. The secret to Saving the Lives of Black Mothers and Babies
7. North Carolina Teen Writes Book on Mothers’ Advice to Sons
8. Intensive motherwork: racism and blackwomen’s mothering