Why Black Maternal Health Week Matters in 2025

Black Maternal Health Week, observed annually in April, serves as a powerful platform for education, advocacy, and systemic change. In 2025, the urgency feels more pressing than ever. The maternal mortality crisis isn’t new—it’s been documented for decades—but the momentum behind addressing it has accelerated. Organizations, healthcare institutions, and government agencies are finally committing resources and attention to this critical public health issue.

The week matters because it centers Black women’s voices and experiences. Too often, maternal health conversations are dominated by statistics and clinical data that strip away the human element. Black Maternal Health Week reminds us that behind every number is a mother—someone with dreams, fears, and the fundamental right to survive and thrive during pregnancy and childbirth. It’s a time when media coverage increases, social media campaigns amplify messages of support, and healthcare providers are encouraged to examine their own practices and biases.

Additionally, this observance intersects with broader conversations about behavioral health technologies and mental wellness during pregnancy. Maternal mental health—including perinatal depression and anxiety—is a crucial but often overlooked component of overall maternal wellbeing, particularly for Black women who may face additional barriers to mental health support.

The week also provides an opportunity for improving emotional intelligence within healthcare teams, fostering better communication and understanding between providers and patients. This interpersonal competence can directly impact the quality of care and trust that Black mothers experience in clinical settings.

Understanding Maternal Health Disparities

To truly grasp why Black Maternal Health Week exists, we must understand the profound disparities that Black women face. The numbers tell a stark story: according to the CDC, non-Hispanic Black women have a maternal mortality ratio of approximately 32.4 deaths per 100,000 live births, compared to 14.9 for non-Hispanic white women. This gap persists even when accounting for factors like income and education level—suggesting that race itself, and the systemic racism embedded in healthcare systems, is a significant risk factor.

These disparities manifest across multiple dimensions of maternal health. Black women experience higher rates of pregnancy-related complications, including gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and placental abnormalities. They’re less likely to receive timely interventions for these conditions and more likely to experience severe maternal morbidity—serious complications that can have long-term health consequences.

The disparities extend to postpartum care as well. Black mothers often have less access to postpartum mental health screening, lactation support, and follow-up appointments. The postpartum period is a vulnerable time, and inadequate support can lead to untreated depression, anxiety, and complications that could have been prevented with proper care.

One significant factor contributing to these disparities is the well-documented phenomenon of implicit bias in healthcare. Research has shown that healthcare providers, despite good intentions, often hold unconscious biases that affect how they interact with Black patients. These biases can lead to pain being dismissed, concerns being minimized, and treatment recommendations being different based on race rather than clinical need. The famous case of tennis champion Serena Williams, who nearly died from postpartum complications because her concerns were initially dismissed, illustrates how even accomplished, insured Black women face these dangerous biases.

Structural factors also play a crucial role. Many predominantly Black neighborhoods have limited access to quality obstetric care. Hospital closures in rural and urban areas have disproportionately affected Black communities, forcing women to travel long distances for prenatal care and delivery. Additionally, chronic stress from systemic racism and discrimination has been shown to have physiological effects that can negatively impact pregnancy outcomes—a phenomenon known as the “weathering effect.”

Systemic Barriers to Quality Care

Beyond individual biases, Black mothers encounter systemic barriers that fundamentally limit their access to quality maternal healthcare. Understanding these barriers is essential for anyone committed to improving maternal health equity.

Insurance and Financial Access

While the Affordable Care Act expanded Medicaid coverage, significant gaps remain. Many Black women are uninsured or underinsured, limiting their ability to access prenatal care, specialist services, and quality delivery facilities. Even with insurance, copays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs can be prohibitive for families with limited financial resources. Additionally, Medicaid coverage often ends abruptly at 60 days postpartum, leaving new mothers without coverage for critical postpartum care.

Geographic Disparities

The “maternal desert” phenomenon is real. Many areas, particularly in the South and rural regions with large Black populations, have experienced significant decreases in obstetric services. Hospital closures and the consolidation of obstetric services mean that some Black women must travel hours to access delivery services. This creates logistical challenges, increases stress, and can result in delayed care during emergencies.

Workforce Diversity Issues

Black women represent only about 6% of obstetricians and gynecologists in the United States. While having providers who share your racial or cultural background isn’t a prerequisite for quality care, research suggests that diversity in the healthcare workforce can improve communication, reduce implicit bias, and increase trust. The lack of Black maternal health specialists and providers contributes to communication gaps and missed opportunities for culturally competent care.

Historical Trauma and Mistrust

The history of medical racism in America—from slavery through the Tuskegee experiment to contemporary examples—has created justified mistrust of medical institutions within Black communities. This historical context matters. Some Black women approach healthcare settings with caution, which can affect their willingness to disclose information or follow recommendations. Healthcare systems must acknowledge this history and work intentionally to rebuild trust.

Managing stress related to navigating these barriers is crucial. Stress management strategies can help Black mothers cope with the additional emotional burden of navigating inequitable systems while preparing for and recovering from pregnancy.

Empowerment Strategies for Black Mothers

While systemic change is essential, Black mothers can also take steps to advocate for themselves and access resources that support healthy pregnancies and postpartum recovery. Empowerment isn’t about placing the burden of equity on mothers—it’s about recognizing agency and providing practical tools.

Advocate for Yourself in Healthcare Settings

Know your rights. You have the right to understand your treatment options, ask questions, and seek second opinions. Bring a trusted support person to appointments who can help advocate if your concerns are dismissed. Document conversations and treatment recommendations. If you feel your concerns aren’t being taken seriously, don’t hesitate to request a different provider or facility.

Build Your Support Network

Pregnancy and postpartum are not meant to be navigated alone. Connect with other Black mothers through community groups, online forums, or faith-based organizations. Having a community of women who understand your experience can provide emotional support, practical advice, and accountability. Doulas—particularly Black doulas—can be invaluable advocates during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum recovery.

Prioritize Mental Health

Maternal mental health is maternal health. If you’re experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, or postpartum mood disorders, seek help immediately. Talk to your healthcare provider, connect with a mental health professional, or reach out to the Postpartum Support International helpline. Remember that struggling with your mental health doesn’t make you weak—it makes you human, and seeking support is a sign of strength.

The relationship between mental health awareness and maternal wellbeing cannot be overstated. Black mothers deserve comprehensive mental health support that acknowledges the unique stressors they face.

Educate Yourself

Become knowledgeable about pregnancy, labor, and postpartum care. Understanding what to expect, what’s normal, and what constitutes a complication empowers you to recognize when something isn’t right. Reliable resources include organizations like the Black Maternal Health Imperative, the National Women’s Health Network, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Explore Midwifery and Doula Support

Midwife-led care and doula support have been shown to improve outcomes for Black mothers. Midwives often provide longer appointments, more personalized care, and continuous support during labor. Black doulas bring cultural understanding, advocacy skills, and continuity of care that can significantly enhance the birthing experience.

Community Action and Advocacy

Individual empowerment must be paired with systemic change. Community action and advocacy are essential to addressing the root causes of maternal health disparities. Here’s how communities can mobilize:

Support Policy Advocacy

Advocate for policies that address maternal health equity. This includes extended postpartum Medicaid coverage, funding for maternal health programs in underserved communities, requirements for implicit bias training in healthcare settings, and investments in the maternal health workforce. Organizations like the Maternal Mortality Review Committees work to investigate maternal deaths and make recommendations for prevention.

Demand Healthcare System Accountability

Healthcare institutions must be held accountable for their maternal health outcomes, particularly by race. Demand transparency in data reporting, diversity in hiring and leadership, and implementation of evidence-based practices to reduce disparities. Support organizations that are pushing hospitals and health systems to do better.

Invest in Community-Based Programs

Community health workers, neighborhood maternal health programs, and culturally tailored interventions have proven effective in improving outcomes. Supporting these programs—through volunteering, donations, or advocacy—helps build infrastructure that meets Black mothers where they are.

Amplify Black Maternal Voices

Throughout the year and especially during Black Maternal Health Week, amplify the voices and stories of Black mothers. Listen to their experiences, learn from their wisdom, and support their advocacy. Visit the Life Haven Daily Blog for additional resources on health equity and wellness.

Foster Workplace Support

If you’re an employer or in a position of leadership, implement policies that support Black mothers: paid family leave, flexible work arrangements, lactation support, and mental health resources. Workplace support is part of the ecosystem that determines maternal health outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Black Maternal Health Week 2025?

Black Maternal Health Week is observed annually in April. In 2025, it runs from April 11-17. However, the work of addressing maternal health disparities happens year-round.

Why specifically focus on Black maternal health?

Black women face disproportionately high rates of maternal mortality and morbidity compared to other racial and ethnic groups in the United States. This disparity is driven by systemic racism, healthcare inequities, and implicit bias. Focusing specifically on Black maternal health acknowledges these disparities and directs resources and attention to addressing them.

What can I do to support Black Maternal Health Week if I’m not a Black mother?

There’s much everyone can do. Educate yourself about maternal health disparities. Support organizations working on maternal health equity. Advocate for policy changes. If you’re a healthcare provider, examine your own biases and commit to culturally competent care. If you’re in a position of influence or leadership, use that platform to amplify Black maternal voices and push for systemic change.

Are maternal health disparities only about race?

While race is a critical factor, maternal health disparities are intersectional. Black mothers may also face additional barriers based on socioeconomic status, immigration status, sexual orientation, disability status, and other identities. Addressing maternal health equity requires understanding these intersections.

What resources are available for Black pregnant women and new mothers?

Numerous organizations provide support, including the Black Maternal Health Imperative, Postpartum Support International, Every Mother Counts, and many local community health centers and doula organizations. Your healthcare provider can also connect you with resources. Additionally, exploring behavioral health technologies can provide supplementary mental health support during pregnancy and postpartum.

How can healthcare providers improve their care for Black mothers?

Healthcare providers can: complete implicit bias training, actively listen to patient concerns, involve patients in decision-making, provide culturally competent care, work to understand the social determinants affecting their patients’ health, support midwifery and doula care, and commit to ongoing learning about racial disparities in maternal health.

What role does postpartum care play in maternal health equity?

Postpartum care is critical. Complications, infections, and mental health issues can develop after delivery. Yet Black women often have less access to postpartum follow-up, screening, and support. Extended and comprehensive postpartum care—including mental health screening—is essential to preventing maternal deaths and serious morbidity in the postpartum period.