Why We Talk About Maternal Health Equity

Every woman deserves an equally safe and supportive pregnancy and childbirth experience. However, the reality is much harsher. Racial and economic differences cause a staggering and persistent difference in the quality of maternal health care that’s provided. Black, indigenous, LatinX, and other women of color are far more likely to face complications, receive substandard care, and even die during childbirth compared to white women. So the real question that remains is: Why don’t we talk about maternal health equity?

Maternal health equity is the imperative that every woman should have a fair and equal chance to have as healthy of a pregnancy as possible, no matter the race, language, educational, and economic difference. Research shows that black women are 3 times more likely to die during pregnancy than white women. In 2020, women living in low- and middle-income countries accounted for almost 95% of all maternal deaths and, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), most of these deaths could have been prevented. These are just a couple pieces of evidence that point out underlying racial inequalities and biases in healthcare, something that should be a basic human right. 

The first step in solving such an unfair conflict is to address it. That’s why we need to speak up and talk about maternal health equity. Addressing the social determinants of maternal health are just the first steps to improve the quality of maternal health for all women. There shouldn’t be a doubt or question about it when countless women and babies face unimaginable challenges or even death because of a poor judgement society has placed on them. 

By speaking up, we can face this crisis head-on. Equity must be at the center of efforts to end preventable deaths and improve the quality of care that women receive during pregnancy, childbirth and beyond. This isn’t just a health question, it’s a human rights one. 

“Because VAWFSC is aware of stats and research being done to highlight the issue of maternal health inequality specifically among black women, VAWFSC, which will host its ribbon cutting on August 15th, our goal is to raise awareness, provide education, and provide services like classes in an effort to reduce the mortality rate. VAWFSC believes in protecting women and girls in our community.” - Frances Robin, Founder of Virginia Women and Family Support Center. 

At VAWFSC, equity isn’t just something that we talk about. It’s something we practice everyday. VAWFSC provides safe, stable housing for pregnant women and mothers in difficult situations, helping them rebuild with dignity and support. We also offer babysitting services to allow mothers time for rest or work, classes in parenting and financial literacy to help them gain independence, and maternal health care for safe, compassionate birth support. These services are available to all women regardless of race, income, or background, because every mother deserves the chance to thrive.