African-American Maternal Health in a State of Emergency

African-American Maternal Health in a State of Emergency

Amnesty International’s most recent findings on global maternal mortality rates are pretty embarrassing for the United States – we’re ranked 50^th, despite the fact that we spend the most money per capita on health care. But what’s truly appalling is that “African-American women are three to four times more likely than white women to die of pregnancy-related causes.” (The Root)

The truth that African-American women face an uphill battle for preconception health is not a new concept to us here at McKinney & Associates. We recently wrapped up a Be Well Women campaign, sponsored by the California Department of Public Health, aimed at encouraging Black women of child-bearing age to take care of their bodies not just for themselves, but for their future children.

There are a variety of factors behind African-American women’s heightened vulnerability during pregnancy – especially race-related stress complications – but most, if not all of them are preventable. McKPR encourages all women – regardless of race or age – to get the facts and take control of your health, for your present and future.