Taylor Anthony
Earlier this year Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Lieutenant Gov. Juliana Stratton proposed a $23 million investment to birth equity efforts to combat the racial disparities in mortality rates for Black women. The Center for Disease Control reports that Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy related causes in comparison to their White counterparts.
“This is a really big robust initiative, and one of its kind, that’s ever happened here in Illinois,” said State Sen. Lakesia Collins. “The legislation pretty much addresses all the disparities in maternal mortality rates, and it expands coverage for pregnancy, postpartum and newborn care provided by the midwives for mothers all across the state from Chicago to central and rural Illinois.”
Black maternal health further highlights the disparities in healthcare outcomes for Black women during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. The CDC also identifies some of the key factors that contribute to this epidemic including systematic racism, underlying health conditions and socioeconomic factors.
As a mother of three, Sen. Collins furthers advocates on the importance of access and education around maternal health and how critical that understanding was which contributed to her three healthy pregnancies. She passed a measure that further expands coverage for pregnancy, postpartum and newborn care provided by doulas and midwives.
The educational component around maternal health is especially crucial for young Black mothers who often lack the resources or knowledge necessary. This initiative will significantly help young mothers who are expecting.
“It will really give them a full support system to fully understand, for example, what breastfeeding does for you and the child. My services from my doula and midwife helped me understand how much of the nutrition was coming from me just from breastfeeding,” Collins said. “I think young parents will definitely benefit and save their lives as well.”
The Governor will sign the Illinois Birth Equity Initiative bill in just a few weeks on July 1st. Addressing Black maternal health is not just a matter of improving healthcare outcomes, but it is a crucial step towards achieving health equity and social justice.
“There is more to do around Black maternal health, and not just maternal health, but just health equity across the board for Black women,” Collins said. “It’s all rooted in systemic racism. We have to dismantle that in any and every way that we can.”
To create meaningful change, it is imperative that policymakers, healthcare providers, and communities work together to increase awareness, and provide culturally competent care. By doing so, it can be ensured that all mothers have the opportunity to experience healthy pregnancies and safe deliveries, ultimately contributing to the well-being of future generations.
By Taylor Anthony, Northwestern University/Medill
Instagram: @TaylorAnthonyTV
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