2025: Empowering the Future through Education, Diversity, and Hope

Bridging the Gap: Advancing Perinatal Health Equity to Reduce Racial Disparities in Maternal and Infant Mortality and Morbidity

Location

Hemmingson Ballroom

Start Date

15-4-2025 12:40 PM

End Date

15-4-2025 1:40 PM

Description

Background & Significance: In the United States (US) there are 18.6 pregnancy-related deaths per 100,000 live births (2014-2020). A study conducted by the Washington Department of Health, showed that non-Hispanic Black women in Washington were more than 2.5 times likely to die from pregnancy related causes than non-Hispanic White women, and an overwhelming 80% of pregnancy-related deaths were preventable. The disparities in maternal mortality are mirrored by infant mortality. Black newborns in the US die at three times the rate of white newborns. A study of 1.8 million hospital births in Florida (1992 – 2015) showed that when black newborns are cared for by black physicians, mortality risk for Black infants compared to White infants decreased by 50%. Studies show that the impacts of racism affect midwifery’s lack of racial diversity, acting as a barrier to people of color completing midwifery education programs and contributing to the profession. Both patients and midwives of color have identified midwives of color as uniquely positioned to provide high-quality care for communities of color. These studies highlight the value of diversity in maternal healthcare and the health benefits of racial concordance in patients and providers. A racially diverse midwifery and doula workforce has the potential to bridge gaps in healthcare access, improve patient-provider trust, and ultimately contribute to better health outcomes for marginalized communities. Purpose: The purpose of my project is to complete a literature review that informs a community- driven research project. Through listening sessions, we will collaborate with the Shades of Motherhood Network (SOMN), an organization committed to culturally relevant childbirth experiences for Black mothers and infants of color in Spokane, WA. This project will investigate whether midwives and doulas of color improve perinatal health outcomes for mothers and infants of color and reduce racial disparities in maternal and infant mortality and morbidity.

Comments

Poster Session B

Publication Date

2025

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Apr 15th, 12:40 PM Apr 15th, 1:40 PM

Bridging the Gap: Advancing Perinatal Health Equity to Reduce Racial Disparities in Maternal and Infant Mortality and Morbidity

Hemmingson Ballroom

Background & Significance: In the United States (US) there are 18.6 pregnancy-related deaths per 100,000 live births (2014-2020). A study conducted by the Washington Department of Health, showed that non-Hispanic Black women in Washington were more than 2.5 times likely to die from pregnancy related causes than non-Hispanic White women, and an overwhelming 80% of pregnancy-related deaths were preventable. The disparities in maternal mortality are mirrored by infant mortality. Black newborns in the US die at three times the rate of white newborns. A study of 1.8 million hospital births in Florida (1992 – 2015) showed that when black newborns are cared for by black physicians, mortality risk for Black infants compared to White infants decreased by 50%. Studies show that the impacts of racism affect midwifery’s lack of racial diversity, acting as a barrier to people of color completing midwifery education programs and contributing to the profession. Both patients and midwives of color have identified midwives of color as uniquely positioned to provide high-quality care for communities of color. These studies highlight the value of diversity in maternal healthcare and the health benefits of racial concordance in patients and providers. A racially diverse midwifery and doula workforce has the potential to bridge gaps in healthcare access, improve patient-provider trust, and ultimately contribute to better health outcomes for marginalized communities. Purpose: The purpose of my project is to complete a literature review that informs a community- driven research project. Through listening sessions, we will collaborate with the Shades of Motherhood Network (SOMN), an organization committed to culturally relevant childbirth experiences for Black mothers and infants of color in Spokane, WA. This project will investigate whether midwives and doulas of color improve perinatal health outcomes for mothers and infants of color and reduce racial disparities in maternal and infant mortality and morbidity.