Why are Black mothers 3-4 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than other groups?

Meet Keisha, a fictional character whose story will feel all too real and illustrates the challenges Black mothers often face during pregnancy. Research shows that factors like chronic health conditions, limited access to quality care, financial strain, and systemic biases increase maternal health risks for Black women. Keisha’s story is a way to understand these obstacles through a personal lens, reflecting what studies reveal about maternal health disparities. Through Keisha, we see how these issues impact real lives and why initiatives like the California Maternal Health Blueprint are essential in addressing and reducing these disparities. By sharing her journey, we’re highlighting the science-backed realities that many mothers live with and the steps being taken to ensure safe, equitable care for all.

Imagine Keisha, a mother-to-be, carrying a weight that others might not immediately see. Keisha has high blood pressure, something she’s managed for years but that now complicates her pregnancy. Science tells us that chronic health conditions like high blood pressure and heart disease are far more common among Black women, adding invisible burdens that make pregnancy riskier. The California Maternal Health Blueprint identifies these chronic conditions as a core driver of maternal mortality disparities, emphasizing that, for Black mothers like Keisha, starting pregnancy with this extra “weight” can turn minor complications into emergencies. Research consistently shows that when chronic conditions go unaddressed early in pregnancy, outcomes can suffer significantly. Keisha’s experience with high blood pressure isn’t isolated; it reflects what public health studies reveal—that managing such conditions early and thoroughly could improve maternal health outcomes across the board​.

Beyond her physical health, Keisha’s mental health quietly shapes her journey, too. The anxiety she’s carried for years now intensifies, creating a shadow that follows her into every appointment. Studies tell us that Black mothers face behavioral health disparities at a disproportionate rate, partly due to limited access to mental health services that feel safe and culturally attuned. Behavioral health disorders are highlighted in the California Maternal Health Blueprint as a critical component of maternal health, with literature showing that untreated mental health challenges during pregnancy can raise risks and affect both mother and baby. But behavioral health services are often scarce, especially for women of color. Keisha’s anxiety isn’t just personal—it mirrors the patterns researchers find when mental health support doesn’t reach the people who need it most​.

Keisha also faces obstacles in accessing the healthcare resources she needs. In her neighborhood, prenatal services are limited and under-resourced, which means longer travel times, rushed appointments, and fewer specialists. Studies reveal that Black and Hispanic mothers are more likely to live in “healthcare deserts” with limited access to quality prenatal care. The California Maternal Health Blueprint emphasizes that limited access creates gaps that can turn preventable issues into life-threatening situations. For Keisha, accessing care isn’t as simple as showing up—it involves navigating a system where resources are not equitably distributed, a reality that research links directly to higher maternal mortality rates among Black mothers​.

Systemic bias also complicates her interactions with healthcare providers. At times, Keisha feels her concerns are downplayed, her intuition brushed aside. Research supports that this is a common experience: the literature shows that Black mothers often face implicit bias in healthcare settings, leading to their symptoms or concerns being undervalued. The California Maternal Health Blueprint points to these biases as an ongoing barrier, noting that this lack of acknowledgment can delay necessary care. Keisha’s experience illustrates how systemic racism, documented across studies, doesn’t just impact her emotionally—it can contribute directly to adverse health outcomes​.

Financial strain creates yet another barrier for Keisha. Limited financial resources make it hard for her to afford consistent prenatal visits, vitamins, and classes. Research and the California Maternal Health Blueprint both highlight that financial barriers limit access to essential pregnancy care, leading to poorer health outcomes. For Black and Hispanic mothers, these barriers frequently mean going without some of the very things that could make a difference for a healthier pregnancy. Studies consistently show that financial insecurity during pregnancy compounds risks, a reality that Keisha experiences firsthand as she makes difficult choices about how to stretch her resources​.

Lastly, the lack of culturally relevant support and education makes navigating her pregnancy feel like entering a maze without a guide. Keisha doesn’t always feel represented in the information she’s given, making it harder to understand her specific risks and options. Research underscores that Black and Hispanic mothers often lack access to culturally tailored education, and the California Maternal Health Blueprint emphasizes this need. Studies show that having relevant, culturally attuned resources dramatically improves pregnancy outcomes, but Keisha finds herself without these tools, trying to navigate through a system that often feels like it wasn’t designed for her​.

This narrative draws a direct line between Keisha’s story and the scientific literature, providing context and grounding each of her experiences in the research-backed factors identified in the California Maternal Health Blueprint.