The most unprotected person in America: The African, American woman, maternal and infant mortality

Abstract

African American maternal and infant mortality are at disproportionate rates. The United States is deemed one of most dangerous developed nations for birthing. According to the CDC, in 2018 the United States reported a rate of 5.7 in 1,000 live births. Non-Hispanic black infant deaths accounted for 10.8 per 1,000 live births compared to non-Hispanic white infants at 4.6 per 1,000 live births. African American woman and infants die of complications at an alarming rate.

There are contributions to the disparate birthing outcomes of African Americans beyond genetics, poverty, economic status, and education level. The history of institutional conduct toward black women proposes that there are social and systemic contributions to racial disparities in birthing outcomes.  With literature that suggest inadequate acute and chronic pain assessment of racial and ethnic minorities, and influencers of modern gynecology that submit to limited evidence to rationalize procedures devoid of epidural, it is evident that the healthcare system, to date, places African American women and infants at the bottom. 

It is imperative to uncover the mistreatment, discrimination and otherwise insufficient social training of healthcare providers for the care African American woman and infants. An increased obligation towards both nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic methods to better serve African American women is necessary. The nation needs to arrive at the core of determinants. today and in history, that has led to such outcomes.