SPOKANE, Wash. – Black women are twice as likely to die from pregnancy-related medical emergencies as their white peers. Black Maternal Health Week is highlighting racial disparities in the American healthcare system.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the 2021 maternal mortality rate for Black Americans was 69.9 deaths per 100,000 live births compared to 26.6 deaths per 100,000 for white Americans.
The statistical reality that pregnancy is more dangerous for Black women in the United States has been met with several proposed causes from policy professionals, including economic barriers to quality healthcare access and medical racism.
The Shades of Motherhood Network will highlight Black Maternal Health Week from April 11 to 17 and will offer programming across Spokane.
Events will include a Black maternal health conference hosted at WSU Spokane on April 12 and a screening series of several birth justice films at the Magic Lantern Theater on April 14.
Additional information on Spokane events observing Black Maternal Health Week can be found using the
