TV6 Investigates: Advocates trying to keep pregnant Black women healthy…and alive

DAVENPORT, Iowa (KWQC) – Renewed awareness campaigns have focused on the health of pregnant Black women. Studies by medical journals and government agencies show that they are more at risk of complications or death before, during or after birth. There are known factors that lead to this disparity, but so far preventative measures have not helped enough. “Black women die two to three times at a higher rate than their white counterparts from pregnancy related complications. And so if we know that black women are dying, then what can we do to help with that?” Lydia Amissah-Harris of Davenport, said. Health experts think doulas, who provide 24/7 nonmedical support, can turn this deadly trend around. Amissah-Harris is a community doula in Scott County and also a first-time mother to 3½-month-old Gianna. Her experience giving birth was “a little scary and daunting. Even with having all the education and the knowledge that I do have surrounding birth work. Knowing what I know about black maternal health and maternal mortality, I was so fearful because it could easily be me,” she said. Amissah-Harris’ hospital room was full of advocates: her husband Cory, her best friend, a doula communicating virtually – and both...