Many Black women are dying during pregnancy. Oregon doctors are raising awareness about Black maternal health

Oregon doctors are raising awareness about the importance of Black maternal health. Statistics show many Black moms are dying during pregnancy. PORTLAND, Ore. — Mersades Thompson couldn’t be happier to hold her baby in her arms. But everything didn’t go as planned during her pregnancy.  “I was definitely on alert when I was in labor and delivering her. We were actually in the hospital for eight days,” Thompson said. She worried about her health and the health of her baby, and thinks more needs to be done to help mothers like her.  The statistics are staggering when it comes to Black maternal health, with many moms dying during pregnancy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says 80% of pregnancy-related deaths could be prevented.  “I still think that Black women need a lot of care and representation in the health care industry. I was just there obviously, and I can say that we still need a lot of work,” Thompson said. She’s not alone, as many are trying to raise awareness about Black maternal health.  Recent studies show in Oregon, maternal deaths more than doubled in the past two decades and the highest rates were among Black mothers.  Infant, neonatal,...