Advancing maternal justice on both sides of the Atlantic

Positive pregnancy and birthing experiences go beyond merely having a healthy mother and baby — so, too, does maternal justice, a term that encompasses broad goals. Affordable, timely, high-quality, equitable, and dignified care during and after pregnancy is essential for all birthing people. Maternal justice is a model of culturally sensitive care that aims to dismantle inequities in maternity care and maximize maternal health and well-being. It rests on human rights and requires us to chip away at racism entrenched in health systems. How do race and ethnicity affect pregnancy and birth? Globally, Black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) have significantly worse maternal outcomes during and after pregnancy and childbirth. These unjust differences persist even after accounting for risk factors such as maternal age, medical conditions, and socioeconomic status. Additionally, differences in risk extend to the next generation. Babies born to BIPOC mothers are more likely to be stillborn or born premature, and to be admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. Consider the following statistics from two sides of the Atlantic. In the US: In 2018, the maternal death rate was 4 deaths per 100,000 live births. Black and American Indian/Alaskan Native birthing people experience the worst outcomes, and are three and two times more likely to die compared with white birthing people, respectively. Estimates suggest 60% of maternal deaths could be prevented. In the UK: From 2015...
Source: Harvard Health Blog - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Adolescent health Health care disparities Parenting Pregnancy Women's Health Source Type: blogs