March of Dimes’ Post

Absolutely, the persistence of systemic racism in supposedly mature democracies is concerning, affecting various sectors like education, finance, policing, and healthcare. While Africa is making strides despite challenges, racial disparities in healthcare remain global. Healthcare professionals must challenge biases, advocate for equitable care, and provide culturally competent services. It's crucial to address these issues domestically and globally to create a more just and inclusive society. #HealthEquity #EndSystemicRacism#Monalisa Maketiwa

America’s ongoing Black maternal health crisis is a national tragedy that goes largely unnoticed in our society.The shameful truth is that ongoing structural racism plays a central role in the deaths of these Black women. Biases within the medical profession still shape the care Black women receive—or don’t receive—during pregnancy, often with tragic consequences. This is true for all Black women, regardless of their income levels or where they come from.This Black maternal health crisis represents a complete policy and societal failure that must be addressed. This is an all-hands-on-deck moment, and we need immediate action from leaders and policymakers at all levels as well as healthcare professionals # blackmaternalhealthweek

As we recognize #Blackmaternalhealthweek (April 11 - 17), I was honored to be a part of an illustrious group of health care professionals💗💚 providing valuable information and guidance for pregnant and post-partum Black women. Black women are dying at a rate 3-4 times higher than white women when it comes to maternal mortality and morbidity in the United States. Notably, women in America are dying at a higher rate from pregnancy related causes than women in any other developed nation. Studies show that when Black women suffer from severe injuries or pregnancy complications or simply ask for assistance, they are often dismissed or ignored in the health care settings that are supposed to care for them. This is regardless of income or education. More than 80% of pregnancy related deaths are PREVENTABLE and the majority occur during the post-partum period; also know as the "4th" trimester. What can women do? Advocate for themselves, speak up until heard, Yell, scream, demand to be heard, be a part of YOUR birthing plan and say something if it just doesn't "feel right".

This week is Black Maternal Health Awareness Week. Monday 22nd - Sunday 28th April marks a week-long campaign dedicated to raising awareness about the disparities in maternal outcomes for Black women and birthing people. The event is hosted by Five X More, an initiative dedicated to making changes with its parliamentary lobbying to the government and recommendations to the NHS. It also focuses on empowering Black women and birthing people to make informed choices and advocate for themselves throughout their pregnancies and after childbirth. According to the MBRRACE UK, 2023 report (a report that looks into maternal deaths), Black women in the UK have a four-fold higher risk of dying in pregnancy in comparison to a white woman. Historically, this number was five times more (MBRRACE 2018 & 2019), hence the initiative’s name. Find out more about Black Maternal Health Awareness Week here: https://lnkd.in/eKKuf49V #BMHAW24

In the words of our friends at Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Inc. (BMMA) “Every woman has the right to safe and respectful maternal health care. Human rights standards surrounding safe pregnancy, childbirth, and respectful maternal care are rooted in the human rights to life, health, equality, and non-discrimination.” Today, on #HumanRightsDay, we are reflecting on the progress we’ve made–and the work that remains. Globally, maternal health has improved over the past decade, but many women are still being left behind. We are not on track to meet the 2030 UN Sustainable Development Goal to reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 deaths per 100,000 live births. This isn’t just a challenge—it’s a call to action. Maternal health is a human right. We cannot stop until it that is fully realized for all women around the world. Learn more about how Every Mother Counts is working to ensure the right to maternal health for women and birthing people around the world and consider supporting our work: www.everymothercounts.org

The For Baby's Sake Trust is standing in solidarity with Black mothers, families, and communities disproportionately impacted by maternal health disparities. Despite the UK having one of the lowest maternal mortality rates globally, Black women in the UK have a four-fold higher risk of dying in pregnancy in comparison to white women (MMBRRACE UK, 2023). We are proud to support the Five X More campaign, a vital initiative addressing the urgent need to improve maternal health outcomes for Black mothers. At The For Baby's Sake Trust, we advocate for comprehensive solutions that promote equity, inclusivity, and culturally competent care. Together, we can work towards a future where every mother receives the care, support, and respect they deserve. #BlackMaternalHealthWeek #FivexMore #MaternalHealthEquity

We continue to amplify the voices of Black mothers and advocate for policies and practices that ensure their well-being before, during, and after childbirth. The statistics are alarming: Black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications compared to white women*. This is not just a health issue; it's a matter of equity and justice. We think Project NICU Board Member and NICU Nurse, Shiobhan says it best, "The last thing any pregnant woman should worry about is whether she'll survive her pregnancy or if she'll be there to watch her baby grow. By making black maternal health a priority, it tells us that our lives, our child's lives, and our families matter! I'm hopeful that with awareness, we can work together towards birth equity for all." #ProjectNICU #hopegrowshere #BMHW24 #BlackMamasMatter #blackmaternalhealthweek *statistics provided by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov

We’re happy to announce one of our newest partners, Saving Mothers, as they address the maternal health crisis facing Black women, who are nine times more likely to experience pregnancy-related mortality in NYC. Through our grant, Saving Mothers will provide 100 mothers with MPOWHER Mom’s Kits, high quality diaper bags with health equipment and curated health literacy materials to empower mothers with their own health data and self-advocacy resources. In collaboration with NYU Langone’s Black Mothers Matter program, they’ll also train a Patient Navigator to support Black mothers through pregnancy and beyond. Learn more about Saving Mothers work to ensure Black mothers have the support they need throughout pregnancy and childbirth: https://loom.ly/pbznd8M #HealthEquity #MaternalHealth

Let's talk about a sobering reality: each year in the US, hundreds of lives are lost during pregnancy or in the year after. Alarmingly, Black women face a threefold higher risk of pregnancy-related death compared to white women. This isn't just about biology—it's about systemic disparities. Factors like unequal healthcare access, chronic conditions, and implicit bias play a role. It's time to address social determinants of health. Everyone deserves equal opportunities for health and well-being. By listening, recognizing warning signs, and ensuring timely, respectful care, we can prevent many of these tragedies. Let's work together to make pregnancy safer for all. #MaternalHealth #HealthEquity #BlackMaternalHealth #PregnancySafety #BMHW24 #MaternalHealthAwareness

Mothers should not die from pregnancy. As Black Maternal Health Week begins, we're spotlighting our commitment to making the current racial disparities in maternal health a top priority in Texas. Key studies show that up to 90 percent of maternal deaths are preventable. Black Texans die from pregnancy-related causes at twice the rate of White Texans and four times the rate of Latino Texans. Non-medical factors like limited access to nutritious foods and recreational activities impact rates of chronic medical conditions that negatively affect pregnancy outcomes. EHF's new Strategic Framework emphasizes the need for health and health care services to be equitable, accessible, and just -- because those services are foundational to healthy pregnancies and maternal health and wellness. By promoting health equity, we aim to ensure all Black moms receive the care and respect they deserve. #BMHW24 #HealthNotJustHealthCare #Philanthropy #healthequity #BlackMaternalHealthWeek