WARNING: This post discusses maternal and infant loss.
In the days following the tragic passing of Erica Garner, conversations about Black maternal mortality have surfaced again. Blogs, articles, and discussions have emerged from people of all backgrounds, attempting to analyze the root causes of why Black mothers are dying at alarming rates.
Yet, I’ve seen this cycle before. Public outcry flares up—but quickly fades away, lost in the sea of headlines. But this crisis is ongoing. It is not just about one case or one tragic death. It is a systemic and preventable issue that demands sustained attention and action.
This is my response.
Black Maternal Mortality: The Reality We Must Confront
I have been aware of the disparities in African American maternal and infant mortality since the devastating loss of my daughter, Annaya Marie, in 2010. That heartbreaking experience opened my eyes to yet another harsh reality that Black women face in this country. The more I learned, the more I shared.
The Numbers: A Public Health Crisis
🔹 According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women (CDC, 2023).
🔹 In some states, the rate is even higher—with Black mothers dying at rates comparable to developing nations.
🔹 Black infants are twice as likely to die before their first birthday than white infants (CDC, 2022).
This is not just a coincidence.
This is a crisis that stems from systemic racism, medical neglect, implicit bias, and disparities in healthcare access.
Despite these shocking statistics, the urgency of this issue doesn’t stay in the mainstream media long enough to push for real, lasting change. Google “Black maternal mortality”—and an endless number of stories appear. Yet, it seems that awareness only spikes after another tragedy—like Erica Garner’s death.
We must break this cycle.
Why Is This Happening?
Many experts, scholars, and public health professionals agree on several major factors contributing to Black maternal and infant mortality:
1. Implicit Bias in Healthcare
🔹 Studies show that Black women’s pain and symptoms are often dismissed or underestimated by healthcare providers (Hoffman et al., 2016).
🔹 Many women report not being listened to or being sent home despite serious warning signs of complications like preeclampsia, hemorrhage, or infection.
Example: Serena Williams, a world-class athlete, nearly died after childbirth because her medical concerns were initially dismissed. If a wealthy, high-profile woman like Serena had to fight to be heard, imagine what happens to the average Black woman in a hospital setting.
2. Socioeconomic Disparities & Barriers to Care
🔹 Many Black women experience less access to quality prenatal and postpartum care due to factors like lack of insurance, transportation challenges, or financial constraints (March of Dimes, 2022).
🔹 Hospitals that serve predominantly Black communities are often underfunded and provide lower-quality maternity care (Howell et al., 2018).
3. Chronic Stress & The “Weathering Effect”
🔹 Research shows that racism and chronic stress negatively impact Black women’s health long before pregnancy even begins (Geronimus et al., 2006).
🔹 This phenomenon, called weathering, suggests that the cumulative impact of stress ages Black women’s bodies prematurely, making pregnancy and childbirth riskier.
What Can We Do? Turning Awareness Into Action
We already know why this is happening. The real question is:
👉 What can I, as an individual or birth worker, do to contribute to change?
The Black maternal mortality crisis is too vast for any single person to solve alone. But collective action—through education, advocacy, and direct community support—CAN save lives.
Here’s what we can do:
1. Stay Informed & Support Policy Changes
💡 Join organizations working toward maternal health equity:
✔ Black Mamas Matter Alliance
✔ SisterSong: Reproductive Justice Collective
✔ Midwives of Color
📌 Support policy changes like:
✔ The Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act – A set of bills aimed at addressing racial disparities in maternal health.
✔ Expanding Medicaid coverage for postpartum care beyond 6 weeks.
📌 Reference: Black Mamas Matter Alliance, 2023
2. Support Black Maternal Health Workers & Community Programs
Some of the most impactful solutions come from Black midwives, doulas, and community birth workers who provide culturally competent, life-saving care.
🌍 Support or volunteer with:
✔ Mama Jennie Joseph (Commonsense Childbirth) – Orlando, FL
✔ Chanel Porchia-Albert (Ancient Song Doula Services) – Brooklyn, NY
✔ Kathryn Hall-Trujillo (Birthing Project USA)
✔ Claudia Booker (Birthing Hands) – Washington DC
✔ Hakima Tafunzi Payne (Uzazi Village) – Kansas City, MO
These visionaries are on the front lines—ensuring that Black women receive respectful, affirming, and holistic care.
📌 Reference: Birthing Project USA, 2022
3. Take Direct Action in Your Community
If you know a new mother, especially within her first year postpartum, support her!
✔ Make an extra plate of food and drop it off.
✔ Hold her baby while she naps or showers.
✔ Drive her to the doctor if she’s experiencing pain or discomfort.
✔ Do a load of laundry for her.
✔ Most importantly: Listen to her.
🚨 If a mother tells you something feels “off”—encourage her to seek medical help, and if needed, advocate on her behalf.
Final Thoughts: We Cannot Stay Silent
Rest in Power, Peace, and Paradise, Erica Garner.
And to all the mothers we have lost to pregnancy-related complications—we will not forget you.
We will stay aware.
We will keep fighting.
We will demand better for our sisters, daughters, and future mothers.
🔹 What will you do to help? Let’s continue this conversation and take action.
📌 For more data and resources on Black maternal health, visit:
✔ U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Minority Health
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2023). Pregnancy-related mortality data. Retrieved from www.cdc.gov
- Black Mamas Matter Alliance. (2023). Advancing Black maternal health and rights. Retrieved from www.blackmamasmatter.org
- Geronimus, A. T. (2006). Weathering and Black women’s health: The stress of racism over time. American Journal of Public Health, 96(5), 826-833.
- Hoffman, K. M., Trawalter, S., Axt, J. R., & Oliver, M. N. (2016). Racial bias in pain perception and treatment recommendations. PNAS, 113(16), 4296-4301.
- March of Dimes. (2022). The racial disparity in maternal and infant health. Retrieved from www.marchofdimes.org
Written by Nneka Hall (01/2018; Edited by Ashley Barksdale (03/2025)
