CDC data shows the US has one of the worst maternal mortality rates in comparison to other high income countries. 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable.
TOLEDO, Ohio — A staggering statistic from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention finds that 80% of pregnancy-related deaths in the U.S. are preventable.
The data shows our nation has one of the worst maternal mortality rates in comparison to other high-income countries. The CDC’s maternal mortality rate, specifically for Black mothers, has decreased in recent years from 69.9 deaths in every 100,000 live births in 2021 to only 49.5 in every 100,000 live births in 2022.
Anita “The Doula” of The Doula Xperience said many of her moms blame their traumatic birth experiences on not being heard.
“Just Imagine feeling like you’re cared for, right?” Anita said.
This is something all medical patients wish for, but clearly, not everyone receives equal care. Anita said doulas are working with families to fix this.
“We’re listening to them. We provide nonjudgmental emotional support,” Anita said. “They have not only a professional walking alongside them through their journey, they have their partner or they have their mom or their in-laws supporting them as well. “
Crystal Martin is the coordinator of the local infant and maternal advocacy group Queens Village. Martin said the numbers, even with the decrease, are still too high.
“Through those numbers, we also see that disparities still exist,” Martin said. “Black women are still two to three times more likely to die during childbirth, no matter of socioeconomic status and we also see that for the infant mortality rate as well.”
Both women believe the drop in death rates so far has come from several different factors.
“I believe more Black women have created a village of Black women to support them and that’s helping them to have more positive birthing experiences,” Anita said.
Martin added that continued conversations with expectant Black mothers on awareness, preparation, and bridging the communication gap with medical professionals are what hopefully will help bring the mortality rate down to zero.
For more information on Queens Village, click here. For additional information on The Doula Xperience, click here.
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