Black Maternal Health Week more important than ever

Dr. Marian Sampson As a physician, and as a Black woman, April is a powerful reminder of the disparities that permeate and weaken our health care system.  Thursday, April 11, marked the first day of Black Maternal Health Week across the United States. This observance was initially launched seven years ago and is meant to bring awareness of the lived experiences of Black mothers. This year’s theme is “Our Bodies STILL Belong to Us: Reproductive Justice NOW!” − a rallying cry to demand comprehensive, accessible, and equitable care for all.  Black women in Florida face disproportionately high rates of maternal mortality compared to their white counterparts.  Black mothers are three times more likely to die due to childbirth complications than other individuals — you read that right, three times more likely to die.  There are many factors that contribute to the increased risk of maternal mortality for Black individuals, but it typically comes down to a lack of access to high-quality and timely health care services before, during, and after pregnancy. This disparity isn’t just about geography or finances, racial discrimination and implicit biases in health care create an environment where Black women experience poorer health outcomes.  One thing that...