The Importance Of Addressing Disparities In Black Maternal Health

At Juno Diagnostics, we understand the urgent need to address and bring attention to the significant disparities that Black mothers face in our nation’s healthcare system. The numbers are stark, with Black women in the United States being more than 3 to 4 times as likely to experience pregnancy-related complications and deaths compared to their White counterparts. Change is needed and necessary. 

We recently sat down with Felicia, a member of the Juno community, to hear about her experience as a Black mother and expectant parent, and we listened. Continue reading to learn more about the everyday realities of Black motherhood and parenting and how to address them as Black parents or allies. 

The disparities Black mothers face in America's healthcare system

Black mothers face unique challenges and barriers when it comes to accessing healthcare in America. As the gap in maternal mortality has widened even further between Black and White women, these systematic challenges, including a lack of access to quality prenatal and maternal healthcare services, racism and unconscious biases, and economic inequality, have become much more apparent. 

The CDC has recently found that in 2020, the maternal mortality rate for non-Hispanic Black women was 55.3 deaths per 100,000 live births, a significant increase from 2019.

The CDC’s study reflects the struggles that many Black women face, like Felicia. The stakes are increasingly heightened when pregnant while Black. 

It's a crazy experience to have as a black woman. When you feel like you are literally choosing your birthing team with life or death in your mind... You have to be vigilant. You have to know what you want. You have to have someone that you know that you can trust to advocate for you…"

The importance of education and awareness in addressing disparities

Addressing the disparities that Black mothers face requires a multifaceted approach that includes education and awareness. The unfortunate reality is that more than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable.

A piece of advice I would give for moms that are birthing and birthing while black is to educate yourself.”

These preventable deaths are heartbreaking failures of our system to educate women and families on maternal and prenatal warning signs. Through education and providing equitable access to prenatal information, we can work towards creating a more equitable healthcare system. 

How Juno Diagnostics supports all mothers through equitable access to prenatal information

We’re on a mission to support all mothers through equitable access to prenatal information. The importance of education and awareness cannot be understated when seeking to effectively address disparities in the healthcare space. Through affordable and at-home non-invasive prenatal screening options, we hope to provide accurate information so mothers have the information they need to make informed decisions about their health and the health of their babies. 

A lot of companies don't go to this extent to hear from the community and to hear from the black mothers who have their feet on the ground here in this in this thing… I think it's beautiful that [Juno is] partnering with us in a way that matters, you know, hearing our stories and publicizing them to a point where you now become an avenue for education, you become an avenue for awareness, and that's what we need.”

Juno is your partner in pregnancy. We’re proud to recognize and address the disparities that Black mothers and families face through a comprehensive approach to education, awareness, and access to healthcare resources. And by working together with organizations like the March of Dimes and individuals such as yourself, we can create a brighter future where all mothers have early access to the care they need and deserve. 

To hear more from Juno community members and to learn more about how Juno is supporting pregnancies and families through affordable and equitable access to prenatal information, join the Juno Newsletter: Subscribe Now

Please be aware: JunoDx.com and the materials and information it contains are not intended to be and do not constitute medical advice, other health advice, or diagnosis.  Do not use JunoDx.com or the materials and information published at JunoDx.com as a substitute for medical care and treatment. You should always consult with a qualified physician or healthcare provider about your specific circumstances.