Advocating for Black Maternal Health: 10 Ways to Empower Yourself

Maternal health is a critical issue for all women, but for Black women in the United States, it's a matter of life and death.

Black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women, a disparity that cannot be explained by income or education levels alone. This is a crisis that demands action, and one of the most effective ways to effect change is by advocating for yourself.

“I remember back in 2013, when I became acutely aware of the disparities that Black women face in maternal health. Determined to make a change, I decided to take action by walking around the state capital, knocking on congressmen's doors, and advocating for better maternal health outcomes.

It was a daunting task, and at times, I felt like I was up against insurmountable odds. But I refused to give up, and with each conversation, I felt my voice grow stronger.

I shared my personal story and the stories of countless other Black women who had suffered in silence, unheard, and overlooked by a healthcare system that was failing them. I emphasized the urgency of addressing these disparities and the need for policy change to support Black maternal health.

Although progress was slow, I continued to advocate relentlessly. And over time, I began to see small victories. More people started to listen, and policies began to shift in favor of improving maternal health outcomes for Black women.

Here are Ten Ways to Empower Yourself and Advocate for Better Maternal Health Outcomes as a Black woman:

• 1. Educate yourself

  Learn about the unique challenges and disparities that Black women face in maternal health. This will help you advocate for yourself and make informed decisions.

• 2. Find a supportive healthcare provider:

  Seek out a healthcare provider who is knowledgeable about Black maternal health and is willing to listen to your concerns and preferences.

• 3. Know your rights:

  Familiarize yourself with your rights as a patient, including your right to informed consent and refusal.

• 4. Speak up:

  Speak up about your concerns and experiences, even if you feel uncomfortable or intimidated. Your voice matters and can help improve care for yourself and others.

• 5. Build a support network:

  Surround yourself with people who understand and support your experiences. This can include family, friends, healthcare providers, and advocacy groups.

• 6. Advocate for policy change:

  Get involved in local and national efforts to improve Black maternal health outcomes through policy change. Write letters to your local and national representatives to raise awareness and advocate for policy changes that will positively impact Black maternal health.

• 7. Seek culturally competent care:

  Look for healthcare providers who are culturally competent and respectful of your background and experiences. Black women are more likely to trust healthcare providers who understand their cultural context and acknowledge their unique experiences.

• 8. Get prenatal care:

  Seek out regular prenatal care, which can help detect and manage health issues that can impact maternal health. Prenatal care helps ensure that you have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.

• 9. Address mental health:

  Prioritize your mental health and seek out support if you are experiencing depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues. Mental health is an important part of overall health, and it's essential to take care of yourself.

• 10. Share your story:

  hare your experiences with others to raise awareness and help others who may be going through similar challenges. By sharing your story, you can help others understand the challenges Black women face in maternal health and inspire others to take action. I mentioned how sharing my story helped me to make changes

Advocating for better maternal health outcomes for Black women is an urgent and necessary task.

By empowering yourself and advocating for change, you can help make a difference in the lives of countless Black mothers and their families. 

Looking back, I'm proud of the progress we've made, and I'm grateful for the courage and determination that pushed me to advocate for change. It wasn't easy, but it was worth it to know that I played a part in making a difference in the lives of so many Black mothers and their babies."