Health disparities associated with maternal mortality in Black women
Start Date
April 2025
Location
2nd floor - Library
Abstract
Health disparities associated with maternal mortality in Black women
Alonna Hill
School of Psychology
Xavier University (OH)
Abstract
Maternal mortality refers to the death of a woman during pregnancy or within 42 days postpartum (Eapen et al., 2023). Yet, over 80% of pregnancy-related deaths have been deemed preventable (Commonwealth Fund, June 2024). Black women in the United States experience a maternal mortality rate 3.5 times higher than White women (Eapen et al., 2023), reflecting deep-rooted inequities in access, quality of care, and underlying social conditions. This poster presentation will provide background information about maternal mortality, with a focus on Black women’s experiences within the healthcare system, the health disparities they face, and the role of social determinants of health (SDOH) in these inequities. Then, it will examine how addressing reversible SDOH is essential to reducing the profound burden Black pregnant women, their families, and society endure. Finally, it will propose solutions aimed at closing the gap in maternal health outcomes, ensuring safer pregnancies for all women.
Health disparities associated with maternal mortality in Black women
2nd floor - Library
Health disparities associated with maternal mortality in Black women
Alonna Hill
School of Psychology
Xavier University (OH)
Abstract
Maternal mortality refers to the death of a woman during pregnancy or within 42 days postpartum (Eapen et al., 2023). Yet, over 80% of pregnancy-related deaths have been deemed preventable (Commonwealth Fund, June 2024). Black women in the United States experience a maternal mortality rate 3.5 times higher than White women (Eapen et al., 2023), reflecting deep-rooted inequities in access, quality of care, and underlying social conditions. This poster presentation will provide background information about maternal mortality, with a focus on Black women’s experiences within the healthcare system, the health disparities they face, and the role of social determinants of health (SDOH) in these inequities. Then, it will examine how addressing reversible SDOH is essential to reducing the profound burden Black pregnant women, their families, and society endure. Finally, it will propose solutions aimed at closing the gap in maternal health outcomes, ensuring safer pregnancies for all women.
