Last summer, a friend called me to tell me her pregnant daughter was visiting and wondered if it would be safe for her to give birth if she went into labor during her stay. here or not. At first, the question puzzled me because there were so many excellent hospitals nearby, until I realized the real concern behind the question: My friend and her daughter are Black.
It is an unacceptable fact that Black women in America are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. That’s true regardless of education level, socioeconomic status, age, geography, and type of health care insurance coverage. Even tall, healthy athletes like Serena Williams and Allyson Felix nearly died during pregnancy and childbirth.
However, rates of pregnancy-related complications, especially for people of color, are only increasing rapidly. New research from the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association shows that between 2018 and 2020, pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum complications in the US increased by 9%. Among Black, Latina, and Asian women on Medicaid, these complications are 73%, 28%, and 38% higher, respectively, than white women on Medicaid—this indicates the state of care. disproportionately diminished.
From blood clots during labor to postpartum depression, these complications often leave thousands of women struggling with trauma, long-term health effects and exorbitant medical costs affecting their families. family and the entire community. These complications span the entire health care system, highlighting deeply ingrained issues, including racial inequality, bias in the care provided, and chronic diseases. latentness. In mid-September, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released new data detailing that 4 in 5 pregnancy-related deaths were preventable. Women can count on the care they receive before, during, and after childbirth.
As healthcare leaders, we have a responsibility to the women and mothers who entrust us with their care. Action begins with strong data to inform where gaps exist and where resources should be allocated. From there, leaders must align their maternal health efforts with national standards-setting organizations and work with these partners to improve and measure progress.
All parts of the health care system—from insurers and providers to health advocates—are working together to tackle the maternal health crisis in the United States . BCBSA aims to reduce racial disparities in maternal health by 50% by 2026. However, to work towards improved outcomes, we need coordinated solutions.
Insurers have been successful with increasing access to doulas. According to the March of Dimes, support from doulas leads to fewer cesarean deliveries, shorter labor times, lower overall costs, and fewer complications. Payers have also seen improved outcomes when regular follow-up newborn screening is combined with maternal counseling. Integrating comprehensive services into primary care settings can help identify and treat mental health conditions, the leading underlying cause of pregnancy-related death, and cost mechanism.
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