Supporting Maternal Health in Black and Latinx Communities

Maternal mortality is a profound issue, and for Black and Latinx communities, the stakes are even higher. Studies consistently show that Black and Latinx mothers are at a significantly greater risk of maternal death compared to their white counterparts, often due to systemic inequities in healthcare. At FIERCE Advocates, we are deeply committed to advocating for equitable healthcare and ensuring that all mothers, regardless of their background, have access to the care and resources they need to thrive.

The Stark Disparities in Maternal Mortality

Did you know that Black women in the United States are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women? Latinx women also face higher maternal mortality rates, although the disparities may vary by factors such as immigration status and access to healthcare. These disparities are not just numbers, they represent real families, real communities, and the urgent need for change.

Several factors contribute to these disparities, including:

Lack of access to quality healthcare: Many Black and Latinx women face barriers such as inadequate insurance coverage, limited access to culturally competent healthcare providers, and lack of prenatal care.
Racism and discrimination: Implicit bias in healthcare settings often leads to misdiagnosis, delayed treatment, and a lack of trust between patients and healthcare providers.
Socioeconomic factors: Economic instability and the stress of navigating healthcare systems can contribute to poor maternal health outcomes.
Chronic conditions and healthcare disparities: Conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity, which disproportionately affect Black and Latinx communities, are known risk factors for complications during pregnancy and childbirth.

How FIERCE Advocates is Addressing Maternal Health Disparities

At FIERCE Advocates, we are focused on addressing maternal health disparities in our community through various initiatives that center the needs of Black and Latinx families. Our work involves advocacy, education, and raising awareness about the systemic issues contributing to maternal mortality. Here are some ways we are working to make a difference:

1. Advocating for Equitable Healthcare Access

One of the core areas of our advocacy is pushing for policies that increase access to quality healthcare for Black and Latinx women. We work alongside other organizations and community leaders to address healthcare access issues, including:

Expanding Medicaid access for pregnant women
Supporting policies that ensure culturally competent and accessible maternal care
Fighting for the expansion of health services in underserved areas

2. Raising Awareness About Maternal Health

Through education and community outreach, we strive to raise awareness about the factors contributing to maternal mortality in Black and Latinx communities. Our goal is to empower families with the knowledge they need to make informed choices about their health and care during pregnancy. By providing educational resources and organizing workshops, we help women and families understand the importance of prenatal care, regular check-ups, and open communication with healthcare providers.

3. Creating Safe Spaces for Mothers to Share Their Stories

At FIERCE Advocates, we believe in the power of storytelling. We create opportunities for mothers to share their experiences and advocate for the changes they wish to see in healthcare systems. By sharing stories of maternal health challenges and triumphs, we can amplify the voices of Black and Latinx mothers who have historically been silenced in conversations about maternal care. We support a community that listens, learns, and takes action based on the lived experiences of mothers in our communities.

4. Promoting Mental and Emotional Well-Being

Maternal health isn’t just about physical well-being, it’s also about mental and emotional health. At FIERCE Advocates, we promote healing-centered care and support systems that address the emotional challenges mothers face before, during, and after childbirth. We understand that systemic inequities in healthcare and society can cause immense stress, and we work to create spaces that support the mental health of mothers and families.

How You Can Get Involved

Addressing maternal mortality and healthcare disparities in Black and Latinx communities requires collective action. Whether you’re a community member, healthcare provider, or advocate, there are ways you can help:

Support Policy Change: Advocate for policies that increase healthcare access, reduce racial disparities, and improve maternal care in underserved communities.
Get Educated: Learn more about the disparities in maternal health and how you can help raise awareness in your community.
Support FIERCE Advocates: Your support, whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading the word, helps FIERCE Advocates continue its work in addressing maternal mortality in Black and Latinx communities.
Listen to and Amplify Women’s Voices: Share the stories of Black and Latinx mothers in your community. By amplifying their voices, we can create more spaces for their experiences to shape policies and systems.

Together We Can Address Maternal Mortality

Maternal mortality rates in Black and Latinx communities are unacceptable—and it’s time for change. At FIERCE Advocates, we are working every day to address the root causes of these disparities and ensure that every mother has the opportunity to live a healthy life, supported by the care and respect they deserve. But we cannot do this work alone.

We call on everyone: community members, policymakers, healthcare providers, and allies, to come together to create a healthcare system that works for all mothers. By working collaboratively, we can reduce maternal mortality and ensure a future where Black and Latinx mothers are supported, respected, and able to thrive.

Join the Movement: Empowering Change for Maternal Health

Join FIERCE Advocates in our mission to reduce maternal mortality in Black and Latinx communities. Whether through advocacy, education, or supporting local efforts, your involvement makes a difference. Together, we can create a healthcare system where all mothers are treated with the care, dignity, and respect they deserve.

Reducing Maternal Mortality in Black and Latinx Communities