Black Maternal Health Week (BMHW) is dedicated to raising awareness and advocating for equitable maternal health care for Black mothers. From April 11 - April 17, join Planned Parenthood Pasadena & San Gabriel Valley (PPPSGV) in putting a spotlight on the stark and unacceptable maternal health outcomes faced by Black women in our country.
Black women in the United States are:
- Three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women (CDC).
- Not only face a higher incidence of cervical cancer (AJPM), but they are also more likely to die from cervical cancer than other women in the United States (CDC).
- Disproportionately affected by postpartum depressive symptoms (PDS), with 29–44% experiencing them, yet few are properly identified and/or connected to mental care services (NIH).
I’m Zoe, a Community Health Educator at PPPSGV. As a Black woman who has experienced pregnancy and childbirth, I have firsthand knowledge of the discrimination that can occur in the health care setting. During such a physically, emotionally, and mentally intense time, health care professionals should offer nothing but support, free from biases and discrimination, to ensure quality patient care. It's crucial to emphasize these statistics to bring attention to an often overlooked issue and work towards addressing it.
At PPPSGV, we are proud to provide access to services such as cervical cancer screenings, mental health services, STI services, and more. We're also working to expand our early pregnancy screening services because we understand how crucial access to prenatal care is to improve maternal health outcomes. Our efforts are ongoing, and we are committed to continuously learning and evolving to better serve patients.
We also need to recognize and honor the efforts of organizations truly spearheading this vital work. The following organizations are at the forefront in advancing Black maternal health and addressing systemic inequalities:
- Black Mamas Matter Alliance: a Black women-led alliance that founded BMHW and centers Black people, advocates, drives research, builds power, and shifts culture for Black maternal health, rights, and justice.
- Black Women for Wellness: a LA-based organization committed to the health and well-being of Black women and girls through health education, empowerment and advocacy.
- Los Angeles County African American Infant and Maternal Mortality (AAIMM) Prevention Initiative: a coalition of the Los Angeles Department of Public Health focused on addressing the unacceptably high rates of Black infant and maternal deaths countywide and ensure healthy and joyous births for Black families in LA County.
The work and dedication of these organizations deserve to be celebrated and supported year-round. I encourage you to show support by visiting their website to learn more, following and uplifting on social media, signing up to volunteer, and/or donating.
We collectively need to raise awareness around racial inequities in maternal health outcomes and support the organizations committed to this work to create change. Every person deserves access to full spectrum of sexual, maternal, and reproductive health care services to help identify and prevent potential health issues before they escalate.
Zoe, Community Health Educator
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