Black Maternal Health Advocacy

let’s get serious about

The Black Maternal Health Crisis

You may have heard the statistics. More than 60% of all maternal deaths in the U.S. are preventable, yet the rates continue to increase. Black women are 3-4x more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than their white counterparts. A college-educated Black woman is more likely to die during childbirth than a white woman without a high school diploma. It’s all disturbing and truly a crisis!

The Black Maternal Health Caucus is fighting to get the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act passed to change this narrative. There are many ways you can get involved. Staying informed and using your voice are ways you can start today!

Did You Know?

Preeclampsia, Eclampsia, & HELLP Syndrome

Persistent high blood pressure during pregnancy or postpartum causing high protein in urine and/or possible complications such as organ damage, stroke, seizures, and death of mom and/or baby before or after birth.
"A Silent Killer" - Sometimes moms cannot feel their blood pressure rising, nor have "unusual signs" (can be mistaken as pregnancy side effects, flu, etc.)
Preeclampsia commonly occurs in 1-in-25 moms and is a leading cause of maternal and infant death in the U.S. affecting 5-8% of births.
For Black moms, the preeclampsia rate is 60% higher than for white moms, and we are more likely to have severe cases, including complications like death.
DELIVERY IS NOT THE CURE! Moms are still at risk after delivery.
Postpartum preeclampsia can happen to anyone who just had a baby up to 6 weeks after birth. Risks: organ damage, seizure, stroke, death.

Still At Risk:
A Postpartum Preeclampsia Story

“You must go to the nearest hospital immediately!”

Although she spoke calmly, I could hear it in her voice—fear. I immediately alerted my husband, who put our newborn in her car seat. There was no way I was leaving my baby so soon when we were still getting into a breastfeeding groove. Sleep-deprived, sore, and slightly confused about what was happening, I kissed my other children—thank God my parents and sister were around to care for them!—and headed to the car. I was one week postpartum…..

survivor story

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It’s not easy sharing a birth trauma with strangers over and over again, but I’m grateful for every opportunity to share my story, educate communities, and empower families!

The Black Maternal Health Crisis

Preeclampsia, Eclampsia, & HELLP Syndrome

Still At Risk: A Postpartum Preeclampsia Story

Be a Change Agent

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Still At Risk:
A Postpartum Preeclampsia Story