Black Maternal Health Disparities in the United States

Author

Merci Wilson, Texas Southern University

Date of Award

Spring 5-2023

Document Type

Thesis

Department

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First Advisor

Dr. Orlando Milton Jr.

Abstract

This paper serves to inform and explain the treatment of Black women within the healthcare system. Black women and their babies are dying at insane rates in the United States. Most of the deaths are preventable. The numbers are alarming and have caught the eyes of society and the government. This tragedy is serious and brings many questions. This paper and my research are created to answer most of those questions. The main question is why the maternal mortality and morbidity rates for Black women are higher than any other race. This question is my research question and the foundation of my research. My research found that the answer to that question is complex and starts when African women were forced into the United States and enslaved. Since this time, the treatment of Black women has never been fair or just. The focus of this paper is to explore the treatment of Black women throughout time and give practical solutions to the treatment of Black women within the healthcare system. I focused on finding the major factors contributing to the treatment of Black women now and reviewed Black women experiences throughout history. Evaluation of the research suggested that structural racism, gender inequality, environmental stressors, and health disparities are the main factors that impact Black women. I also reviewed literature that gave prevention and solutions to the disparities of Black women within the healthcare system.

Recommended Citation

Wilson, Merci, "Black Maternal Health Disparities in the United States" (2023). Honor’s College Freeman Research Journal. 37.
https://digitalscholarship.tsu.edu/frj/37