Black Women Deserve Better Healthcare During Pregnancy

 

 

Women of color in America, particularly those in rural and underserved areas, face systemic barriers that drastically affect their health, especially during pregnancy.

Oftentimes, these women experience transportation challenges, creating delays in both prenatal and overall healthcare that can be life-threatening. According to BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, research shows that women in rural areas, particularly in maternity care deserts, often face significant travel distances to access obstetric care. For instance, in areas classified as maternity care deserts, the average travel distance to the nearest obstetric hospital can be over 28 miles. In Georgia, specifically, patients might travel an average of 40 miles to see an OBGYN, with some areas lacking any obstetric providers entirely according to Atlanta magazine.  The Atlanta article went on to say that these challenges not only contribute to existing health disparities, but also exacerbates maternal mortality rates, leading to poorer health outcomes.

The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) reports that rural women face a 10% higher risk of experiencing dangerous childbirth situations. The closure of rural hospitals has made these disparities worse, leading to a high maternal mortality rate for Black women of 66.3 per 100,000 live births—over three times higher than that of white women.

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After the Supreme Court’s ruling overturning Roe v. Wade, the situation became even more dire. Dr. Krystal Redman, executive director of Spark Reproductive Justice Now, believes this decision could trigger even more restrictions on reproductive care for women of color, including birth control. As quoted from an article titled “Black Women Are Underserved When It comes to Birth Control Access, Especially After Roe Decision, Redman stated “I think that it’s naive for us to believe that this will just stop here.” She also notes that Black women are especially underserved when it comes to contraceptive access, often facing geographic, financial, and discriminatory barriers.​

Access to safe and legal abortions is now more critical than ever as well. For example, in Georgia, a state notorious for its maternal mortality rate for Black women, some argue that having a legal abortion is safer than carrying a pregnancy to term and undergoing a cesarean section. Dr. David Grimes, an obstetrician and gynecologist, highlights this by stating that “abortion is one of the safest medical procedures,” while full-term pregnancies, especially C-sections, carry more risks.

Moving Toward Solutions:

So, how do we attempt to fix this? While there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution, the resources listed below can offer a start.

Telehealth programs, i.e. services that allow women to consult with doctors remotely/virtually, offer hope and can include virtual check-ups, mental health services, and reproductive health consultations. However, this option is not accessible to all. Reliable internet access and digital literacy are widespread obstacles that prevent access for women, particularly in rural areas.

Medicaid expansion, on the other hand, has a proven track record of reducing maternal mortality, especially among women of color, per a Georgetown University Report.

It’s time for states to prioritize policies that bridge the healthcare gap, rather than widen it. We owe it to women of color—mothers, daughters, and sisters—to ensure they receive the equitable healthcare they deserve. Anything less is a failure of the system.

Valuable Resources:

Women seeking better healthcare access, both nationwide and in Georgia, can turn to several resources and programs that provide support, advocacy, and medical care:

Nationwide Resources:

• Planned Parenthood: Offers a wide range of services including reproductive healthcare, birth control, STD testing, and cancer screenings. With clinics across the country, they provide affordable care and can assist with navigating healthcare deserts through telemedicine.

1. 1. • Website: Planned Parenthood

• The National Birth Equity Collaborative (NBEC): Focuses on ensuring better maternal health outcomes, particularly for women of color, by advocating for equity in healthcare and providing resources and information for pregnant women.

1. 1. • Website: National Birth Equity Collaborative

• HealthyWomen: A comprehensive platform that offers information and resources on women’s health, covering everything from reproductive health to chronic disease management. They also provide information on how to access care in underserved areas.

1. 1. • Website: HealthyWomen

• National Rural Health Association (NRHA): Advocates for improving access to healthcare in rural communities and works to ensure that women in these areas have access to necessary services, including OB-GYN care.

1. 1. • Website: NRHA

• Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA): This organization is dedicated to improving Black maternal health through advocacy, policy changes, and supporting community-based solutions to improve access to maternal care.

1. • Website: Black Mamas Matter Alliance

Resources in Georgia:

• Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Georgia (HMHBGA): This statewide organization works to improve access to prenatal care for low-income and underserved women. They offer resources like a toll-free help line for women needing to connect with OB-GYNs and other maternal health services.

1. 1. • Website: HMHBGA

• Grady Health System: A key provider in Georgia, Grady offers a comprehensive women’s health program, including prenatal care and childbirth services, particularly for low-income and uninsured women in the Atlanta area.

1. 1. • Website: Grady Health System

• Emory Healthcare: One of the largest health systems in Georgia, Emory offers specialized women’s health services, including maternal care. They also have outreach programs aimed at underserved communities.

1. 1. • Website: Emory Healthcare

• Georgia Department of Public Health: Provides resources and information for women, including pregnancy care programs, family planning services, and access to Medicaid for pregnant women.

1. 1. • Website: Georgia Department of Public Health

• Center for Black Women’s Wellness (CBWW): Based in Atlanta, CBWW provides affordable healthcare services, including prenatal care and reproductive health services, focusing on women of color and those in underserved communities.
  • • Website: CBWW

 

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