Keywords

maternal mortality rates, racism

Abstract

Black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy- or childbirth-related causes in the United States. There are a few factors that play into this statistic, including genetic health conditions and socioeconomic issues. However, racism and unfair treatment towards black women is at the heart of the problem. This issue of racism in the health care system is atrocious for a few reasons — first, because racism is never acceptable in any form and should be eliminated in any and all situations. And second, because this is a problem that is affecting the lives and well-being of mothers and children all across the United States. In an effort to help eliminate this distressing problem, this paper will explain the details of what is happening to black women as they experience pregnancy and childbirth and then offer suggestions as to what people can do to come together and eradicate this problem.