
Black Women Are 3x More Likely to Die in Childbirth—Here’s Why
The maternal health crisis in America has hit Black women the hardest. Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women, and the reasons are rooted in systemic racism and unequal access to care. Culturally aware birth workers play a critical role in changing these outcomes. Let’s dive into why this matters.
The Disparities in Maternal Care
Research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that Black women are three times more likely to die during childbirth compared to white women. Black mothers suffer from severe pregnancy complications, known as severe maternal morbidity, at rates 50% higher than white women.
The Rise in Unnecessary C-Sections
C-sections are often life-saving, but Black women are more likely to have unnecessary ones. According to a study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Black women are 36% more likely to undergo a C-section than white women, even after controlling for medical conditions. Unnecessary C-sections come with risks—longer recovery times, infections, and complications in future pregnancies.
The overuse of C-sections is often linked to healthcare providers not listening to or dismissing the concerns of Black mothers, contributing to poorer birth outcomes. This is where culturally aware birth workers come in. By acting as advocates, they can ensure that Black women’s voices are heard and respected, reducing the likelihood of unnecessary interventions like C-sections.
The Alarming Maternal Mortality Rate
Maternal mortality is an urgent issue for Black women in the U.S. According to the CDC, Black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than their white counterparts . These deaths are often preventable, with the World Health Organization (WHO) estimating that 60% of maternal deaths could be avoided with better healthcare practices.
Why are Black women at such a higher risk? It’s not about income or education—Harvard University researchers found that even wealthy, educated Black women experience higher risks of complications than less educated white women . The root cause is often systemic racism in the healthcare system, which can lead to Black women’s concerns being ignored or minimized.

How Culturally Aware Birth Workers Are Making a Difference
Culturally aware birth workers, such as doulas, midwives, and lactation consultants, can be game-changers. These professionals understand the unique challenges faced by Black and Brown women during childbirth, and they work to address systemic biases by providing emotional, medical, and advocacy support.
Having culturally aware birth workers involved in your care can lead to better birth outcomes. A study by the National Partnership for Women & Families found that women who used doulas were significantly less likely to have C-sections and more likely to have positive birth experiences. This kind of personalized support makes a tangible difference, especially for women of color.
At Mood Lactation Partners, we’re working to change the narrative. That’s why we’re presenting the Black Birth Collection event on February 23, 2025, in Milwaukee, WI. This event will bring together birth workers and professionals who are dedicated to reducing disparities in maternal care for Black and Brown families. Every mother deserves a safe birth experience.
Sources:
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Maternal Mortality Rates in the United States, 2021
2. American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology: Racial Disparities in C-Section Rates
3. Harvard University: Racial Disparities in Maternal Health
4. World Health Organization (WHO): Maternal Mortality
5. National Partnership for Women & Families: Doula Care and Improved Maternal Health
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