The mortality rate for pregnant or postpartum Black mothers in South Carolina is two times the rate for white women. (Stock photo/Getty Images)
It was an ordinary day when I got a notification on my phone from a local news outlet that a Black midwife lost her life due to pregnancy-related complications.
A wave of anger radiated through my body. My initial thoughts as a Black woman were “none of us are safe.” I reached out to my colleagues, many of whom are doulas or perinatal health providers, and they shared similar feelings.
Maternal death is nothing new among Black mothers. Sadly, it is still a traumatizing and painful reality. Black women remain victims of maternal death at higher rates than any other ethnic group in the country.
Racial disparities in healthcare and society are the root cause of the preventable, systemic problem. This calls for accountability and structural change.
Dr. Janell Green Smith was a trusted and well-known voice in South Carolina’s Black midwifery community — a native of Charleston who lived in Greenville.
However, on Thursday, Jan. 1st, Green Smith passed away from pregnancy-related complications, becoming yet another Black mother lost to a global public health issue. It is reported that she developed preeclampsia and medical professionals recommended she seek immediate medical treatment.
She delivered a beautiful baby girl eight weeks early via cesarean section. After what appeared to have been a successful delivery, Green Smith’s incision site ruptured. She was rushed into emergency surgery after which she developed life-threatening complications that ultimately led to her death.
Sadly, Green Smith was not able to have a midwife by her side because other practices nearby didn’t take her insurance.
Status and educational achievement do not protect Black women from maternal death.
Black women are still in danger regardless of their professional status, medical credentials, or vocational expertise.
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, maternal mortality overall decreased nationwide in 2023, yet maternal death among Black women was still slightly up. The data says Black women in the U.S. are three times more likely to experience maternal mortality than any other race or ethnicity.
South Carolina ranks eighth national in maternal mortality. The mortality rate for pregnant or postpartum Black mothers in South Carolina is two times the rate for white women. This disparity is an alarming indication that, if progress does not safeguard the most vulnerable, it is not genuine.
As maternal mortality rises, SC report suggests ways of increasing health care access
Implicit bias significantly affects the healthcare system, particularly harming marginalized populations.
I recall an unfortunate experience with a gynecologist following a diagnosis of fibroid tumors, where instead of receiving the necessary support, I was dismissed.
This issue is rooted in historical and systemic inequities that lead to inadequate care for women of color, who often experience disparities in pain management and diagnostic procedures. As a social worker and Black woman, I am committed to advocating for social change.
Alarmingly, 71% of Black women ages 18 to 49 report negative experiences with healthcare providers, and over 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable.
Understandably, the reality behind these statistics creates deep anxiety for many Black women. It highlights the urgent need to address healthcare inequalities and improve outcomes for marginalized communities.
Social workers are vital in advocating for social and health policies focused on improving health equity, ensuring access to quality healthcare for marginalized groups, particularly Black mothers,
and challenging discriminatory policies.
To address the systemic issues affecting Black maternal health, action is essential. Awareness is not enough.
This involves amplifying Black voices, implementing mandatory implicit bias training for healthcare providers, and advocating for Medicaid expansion to improve access to maternal care.
Real change will come through accountability, investment in culturally competent care, and the elimination of institutional injustices, ensuring that all mothers are respected and supported.
Courtesy of South Carolina Daily Gazette
