Up To Date

Black Mothers More Likely To Die From Pregnancy-Related Causes

By Steve Kraske,

Published July 22, 2021 at 2:56 PM CDT

Ways To Subscribe

Black women die from pregnancy-related causes significantly more than other groups. Why? And what's being done about it?

According to the CDC, Black women are almost 2.5 times more likely to die from causes linked to pregnancy than their white counterparts. Although increased diversity in the medical field is needed to create change, Hakima Payne says that doesn't solve the whole problem.

"I think that diversity is a beginning solution, but it's certainly not the entire solution," Payne says. "Even Black doctors and nurses are socialized into white-centric ethics and beliefs around health care."

Tracy Russell, executive director, Nurture KC
Hakima Payne, CEO, Uzazi Village
Daysha Lewis, Black mother who experienced pregnancy-related complications

Tags

Up To Date Podcast health care Mothers pregnancy women women's health African Americans disparities

Steve Kraske

When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.

See stories by Steve Kraske

Reginald David

As an assistant producer on Up To Date, my goal is to amplify voices of people who serve as pioneers in their respective fields while shedding light on issues that affect underserved communities. I produce daily conversations to uplift and inspire the people of the Kansas City area to make the world a better place. You can reach me at reginalddavid@kcur.org.

See stories by Reginald David

Trevor Grandin

Trevor Grandin is a contributing producer for KCUR Studios.

See stories by Trevor Grandin