There has been significantly high rates of maternal related deaths among African American women. Black women experience more poor maternal outcomes compared to white women, and they receive less quality maternal care during childbirth and postpartum. Disparities in maternal care has been an ongoing issue predominantly affecting women of color. According to the National Partnership for Women & Families, African American women are 3 to 4 times more likely to die from complications of pregnancy than white women in the United States and abroad. The main problem is that too many African American women are dying largely from preventable complications related to pregnancy. Racial disparities in maternal health is at an extreme with the U.S. having the highest maternal mortality rates than any other country.

Racial disparities is a major contribution to inequities in maternal health outcomes among African American women. Clinicians too often exhibit racial bias and the health concerns from African American women are too often dismissed. Racial bias within the healthcare system is a contributing factor to the excessive amount of maternal related deaths among African American women. In addition, clinicians are missing to many opportunities to identify health risk factors and potential symptoms of maternal morbidity during peripartum, childbirth, and postpartum particularly for women of color. The lack of health care policies and governance to address racial disparities and health inequities lead to the increase of maternal morbidity and mortality.

By signing this petition, our future generations of African American mothers will have better maternal care when delivering their babies. We can ensure that their health concerns will be taken seriously and addressed. In addition, future generational African American women can ensure they are receiving equal treatment and quality care even after child birth, and are given adequate information on how to care for themselves as well as continued support on the transition to postpartum care. It is important to eliminate racial disparities among African American women in maternal care for the safety and well-being of future Black mothers.This petition will push for change for African American women to feel that their health is just as valued as their white counterparts, and that they too deserve to have safe and healthy pregnancies and childbirth. Help me fight for change!