California Lawmakers Take Aim to Combat Maternal Mortality Rates Among Black Mothers

To combat alarming maternal mortality rates, particularly among Black women in the United States, California lawmakers are addressing this crisis by working to enforce a 2020 law mandating anti-bias training for maternity care staff in CA hospitals.

While mothers across the nation continue to die during or shortly after childbirth, Black women experience the highest maternal mortality rate. The CDC reported that, in 2021, the maternal mortality rate among Black mothers was almost 70 deaths per 100,000 live births, 2 to 3 times higher than the maternal mortality rate for White mothers. Indeed, more women are dying due to childbirth complications in this country than the rest of the developed world.

Lawmakers in California are trying to combat these statistics and advocate for new mothers. In 2020, a California law went into effect requiring hospitals to have their maternity care staff complete anti-bias training. After about 18 months, only 17% of hospitals had begun the mandatory training.

“This report represents more than just data. It is a testament to our collective dedication to challenging bias and prejudice,” said Gabrielle Brown, a program coordinator for the Maternal and Infant Health program at Black Women for Wellness. California Assembly member Dr. Akilah Weber, who is also a board-certified obstetrician/gynecologist, further noted, “This is why we have such devastating outcomes for Black birthing mothers when compared to their White counterparts.” Activists and political figures alike are working to ensure compliance with the California law, including establishing deadlines and pushing for consequences for non-compliant facilities.

A mother’s wrongful death may occur due to a myriad of reasons, including:

• surgical malpractice during a C-section
• postpartum hemorrhage from delivery or C-section
• HELLP Syndrome (indicated by problems with blood, liver, and blood pressure)
• preeclampsia
• pulmonary embolism
• cardiac arrest
• infection
• amniotic fluid embolism

While several risk factors for maternal death can be prevented with diligent care, racial bias is  requires no medical intervention and does not belong in the delivery room or beyond.

Do You Suspect Your Loved One Died as a Result of Medical Negligence? Contact Our Chicago birth Injury Lawyers Today.

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.