In honor of Black Maternal Health Week, Mamas Facing Forward wants to recognize the disparities that Black Mamas are still facing today when it comes to maternal healthcare. Below we want to share some key statistics pertaining to Black Maternal Health – today we are focusing on maternal mortality. We encourage you to head over to the Black Mamas Matter Alliance to learn more!
Maternal Mortality
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 700 women die each year in the United States as a result of pregnancy or delivery complications. (Source: CDC)
In 2020, Black women were most disproportionately affected with a mortality rate of 55.3 deaths per 100,000 live births, compared to 19.1 deaths per 100,000 live births, and 18.2 deaths per 100,000 live births for White and Hispanic women, respectively. (Source: CDC)
The U.S. has an infant mortality rate of 5.6 per 1000 live births in 2019, with a health disparity among Black babies at a rate of 10.8 deaths per 1,000 live
births in 2018. (Source: CDC)
Black women are 3 – 5 times more likely to have a maternal death than White women in the United States. (Source: AJMC)
