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A Sad Reality: Shedding Light on Black Maternal and Infant Mortality


A Sad Reality: Shedding Light on Black Maternal and Infant Mortality

The CDC’s September 2022 report detailing that more than four in five U.S. pregnancy-related deaths could have been prevented revealed the shocking reality about maternal mortality. Moreover, recent data out of Stanford University shows that Black mothers, compared to other races, are at greater risk of dying after birth. Risk for Black maternal death applies to all income levels—suggesting that the reasons behind maternal death may be more than economic. Policymakers are seeking ways to prevent such tragedies across the U.S.

But it’s not just Black mothers that are dying at birth. Black babies are less likely to live past their first birthday, according to NPR. In 2020, infant mortality nationally declined overall from the previous year; however, in Kansas, it rose by approximately 19% . And for Black babies born in the sunflower state, mortality rates skyrocketed to an increase of 58% from 2019’s figures. Birth workers in Kansas are helping Back mothers by teaching parent education classes as well as prenatal health strategies as part of an ongoing effort to reduce Black infant mortality. NPR notes that Black infant deaths more often are caused by complications related to a low birth weight and prematurity.

In Black communities, “the rate of preterm birth is usually about double, consistently, over decades in the U.S.,” Dawn Misra says, a professor at Michigan State University who studies adverse birth outcomes in Black families. Racism is a factor as well, Misra says, which impacts housing segregation and neighborhoods. Pre-existing health conditions also play into the infant mortality rates among Black babies. Focusing on Black maternal health will be essential to reducing Black infant mortality rates going forward.

Do You Suspect Your Loved One Died as a Result of Medical Negligence During Birth?

If you believe your loved one died due to medical negligence during her pregnancy, labor, childbirth or the postpartum period, consider speaking to an experienced and compassionate birth injury attorney. The attorneys at Grant & Eisenhofer P.A. can help you understand your potential legal options, if any, and answer any questions you may have.

Call us at (877) 262-9767 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We represent families nationwide and have offices in Chicago IL, Baltimore MD, New York NY, and Wilmington DE.