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WATCH: Dr. Kendra Segura Discusses High Mortality Rates Among Black and Brown Women
Maternal health disparities have cast a long shadow over the healthcare landscape, with Black and Brown women facing significantly higher maternal mortality rates than non-Hispanic White women, regardless of socio-economic status. According to recent statistics, the maternal mortality rate in the United States is three times higher than that of other high-income developed countries. Even within the US, the situation is grave, showing a concerning increase in maternal mortality rates since 2018. The racial disparities have only grown wider, particularly for Black and Brown women.
An analysis conducted by state Maternal Mortality Review Committees (MMRC) revealed that a significant portion of maternal deaths – as high as 80% – occur postpartum and are preventable. These troubling statistics reflect an urgent need for a comprehensive and systematic approach to maternal health care. Housing instability, chronic stress, and lack of access to quality healthcare resources have all been identified as underlying factors that perpetuate this crisis. It is essential to acknowledge that the root cause is racism, rather than mere racial differences, that drives these disparities.
The Georgia Maternal Mortality Review Committee (GA MMRC) has identified chronic conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and obesity as key drivers of maternal mortality. Furthermore, poor access to health insurance, hospitals, and labor and delivery units disproportionately affects those in rural areas. The Coalition’s efforts aim to raise awareness among elected officials, government leaders, and businesses, while also promoting access to maternal mental and physical care.
At the federal level, various initiatives and legislations have been put forth to address the maternal health crisis. The Biden Administration’s Blueprint for Addressing the Maternal Health Crisis, along with acts like the Momnibus Bill of 2021, demonstrate a collective commitment to making positive changes. Similarly, state-level leaders are leveraging Medicaid expansion strategies to combat maternal health issues on a wider scale. Despite these efforts, the recent Dobb decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, which affects pregnant women’s constitutional right to an abortion, presents new challenges that must be navigated.
The investigation into the treatment of Black women at Cedars-Sinai, one of California’s largest hospitals, has brought the issue of racial disparities in maternal care to the forefront. The probe comes after Kira Dixon Johnson died in 2016 from internal bleeding following a C-section. Her baby did survive following the procedure. This scrutiny underscores the importance of transparency, accountability, and systemic change within the healthcare system. Families from all walks of life deserve safe, dignified, and respectful care, not only in maternal health but across all aspects of healthcare.
About the episode:
In this informative episode, our hosts open up about challenges with women’s health issues. They are then joined by OB-GYN Dr. Kendra Segura to talk about high-risk and high mortality/morbidity rates amongst Black & Brown women as well as the importance of proper and preventative care.
The episode touches on vitally important issues around high mortality rates amongst Black and Brown women and several other topics of Women’s Health, such as the importance of finding the right doctor that will thoroughly listen to their patients and help make sure all women are as healthy as possible before, during and after pregnancy.
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Dr. Segura is an OBGYN that is passionate about educating on women’s health myths and facts. She is also the CEO of The Girl Cave LA- a beauty supply store focused on health, hair, and beauty, as well as the medical director of Total Body Aesthetics LA.
Watch live on Friday 8/11 at 4:30 PM PST or Download the LATV+ App to watch the full episode.
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