Black Maternal Health in the UK: Challenges, Solutions, and Reproductive Justice

blackactivistwriter
Mar 3
7 min read

Updated: Apr 2

Understanding Disparities in Maternal Health

Did you know that Black maternal health disparities in the UK mean that Black mums are 2 to 4 times more likely to die from childbirth complications than White mums? These disparities are not limited to the UK; Black moms in the U.S. face a similarly tragic reality. The United States has one of the highest maternal mortality rates among high-income nations worldwide. To address this crisis, we must dismantle the systemic barriers that cause these astronomical maternal death rates by adopting a reproductive justice framework. In this post, I will also propose practical solutions to combat this issue. Your insights and involvement are invaluable in driving this movement forward.

Before we dive deeper, I'd love to hear about your personal experience with racism in healthcare. Take a moment to answer the poll below.

Have you or a loved one experienced racial bias or discrimination in healthcare?

Yes
No
Unsure

As I delve into the timely issue of systemic racism in healthcare, I invite you to listen to a curated Apple Music Playlist that I've put together to complement this writing piece. Music can offer solace, comfort, and a source of healing. The playlist centers on women's empowerment, femininity, and culture. Click the link to listen while reading, or immerse yourself in the lyrics accompanying these songs.

What is Reproductive Justice?

Reproductive justice (RJ) is a grassroots movement that champions human rights, reproductive rights, and social justice. It asserts the fundamental human right of women, girls, and non-binary individuals to make and uphold their own sexual and reproductive choices without coercion or fear of retaliation from institutions, the government, or other individuals. Furthermore, the RJ framework asserts the right for individuals to access economic assistance and material support to raise their families in healthy and safe communities. Additionally, the RJ framework examines the systemic and environmental factors preventing people from thriving and being treated with dignity and respect. A prime example of a systemic barrier is institutional racism. It plays a significant role in perpetuating maternal health disparities among Black mothers.

The key tenet of Reproductive justice is the belief that Black women and girls have the right to bodily autonomy, the choice to have or not have children, and the necessary support to parent and raise healthy families. Learn more about the history of reproductive justice here.

One of the key figures in the RJ movement is scholar and activist Loretta Ross. Many people credit her for introducing the term "reproductive justice" into the mainstream lexicon. In the summer of 1994, she and a group of Black women activists launched the RJ movement. They aimed to raise awareness of the unique lived experiences of Black women in America.

A Black mother-to-be is posing with her unborn child in a maternity photoshoot. — Courtesy of Abbey Chapman (Pexels)

My Inspiration

My main inspiration behind writing about reproductive justice from the UK landscape is my love for the BBC/Netflix series "Call the Midwife." Adapted from Jennifer Worth's memoirs, this show portrays the experiences of midwives and nuns caring for mothers in East London after the World War. It poignantly explores a range of social issues, such as abortion, adoption, racism, and domestic violence. The storytelling profoundly resonates with me as a viewer. I love this show so doggone much that I'm rewatching it from the beginning!

Why is Reproductive Justice relevant in the UK?

The Westminster Palace in the United Kingdom represents law and order. — Photo of the Westminster Palace in the UK

The UK has a robust legal framework for human rights, highlighted by key laws like the Human Rights Act of 1998. This law outlines fundamental rights granted to residents, including Black mothers. For instance, Article 2 ensures the right to life, mandating that no one should be deprived of life unjustly.

Article 3 prohibits torture and inhumane treatment, which is crucial to reproductive justice, as Black mothers often face mistreatment. Article 8 grants the right to privacy, including bodily autonomy, which is vital to reproductive justice. Finally, Article 14 forbids discrimination based on personal characteristics. These laws are essential for Black mothers because they provide a safe bedrock of legal protection from human rights violations.

Women and girls have the right to make and uphold reproductive and sexual decisions for themselves and to be free from ALL forms of violence. — A woman is with her infant child during a social protest for women's rights.

Systemic Barriers in Maternal Healthcare: Challenges Facing Black and Brown Mothers

Similar to the United States, Black mothers in the UK endure systemic racism on both individual and institutional levels. This form of bias significantly impacts the quality of healthcare they receive. Many scientists, historians, and scholars trace the origins of systemic racism back to colonialism and slavery. During that time, Black people--especially women-- were widely regarded as inferior by their White counterparts. The common stereotype is that Black women are inherently strong and can endure infinite levels of pain. This way of thinking is highly problematic because it can lead to healthcare professionals dismissing or discrediting their concerns.

A group of people are protesting for the fight of equality and justice. Reproductive justice is based on the tenets of human rights and social justice. — Equality and justice are human rights values.

Between 2021 and 2023, according to research from MBRRACE-UK, blood clots led to maternal deaths in the UK at a rate of 2.1 per 100,000 pregnancies. Cardiac disease followed as the second leading cause of death at a rate of 1.5 per 100,000. In 2022, Black women faced a maternal death rate of 28.21 per 100,000 pregnancies, nearly double that of White British mothers at just 12.2 per 100,000.

Speaking out against any form of social injustice is the moral, courageous thing to do as opposed to not saying or doing anything at all. — Silence during any oppression shows complicity.

e) Anecdotal Evidence: Black Mothers' Experience in Maternal Healthcare

During my research, I reviewed compelling evidence on the manifestation of systemic racism in maternity care. The UK maternity care organization Birthrights released a damning 2022 report titled "Systemic racism, not broken bodies." This eye-opening report exposed the unnecessary trauma that Black mothers often experience in healthcare settings. Common challenges faced by Black, Asian, and Mixed Ethnic mothers included having their concerns ignored or dismissed, feeling unsafe, receiving negligent or subpar medical care, and enduring abuse and disrespect from providers. One unsettling example from the report involved a Black British mum who received poor-quality care, which ultimately resulted in a stillbirth. In another tragic event, a midwife denied a Black British mum access to a cesarean delivery, disregarding her medical needs.

The majority of research participants reported being ignored or having their pain dismissed. Many were left in pain without relief and experienced neglectful care--clear violations of Article 3 of the Human Rights Act (HRA) 1998, which prohibits inhumane and degrading treatment. Additionally, informed consent was frequently absent. Many of the mothers in the study lacked adequate knowledge about their medical care, violating Article 8 of the Human Rights Act 1998, which protects the right to private and family life.

A concerning pattern of racial bias manifested in how healthcare professionals assessed symptoms in Black patients. For example, many of them failed to recognize jaundice in Black infants. One participant in the study disclosed that her provider vehemently dismissed concerns about her newborn's jaundice symptoms. The provider attributed its abnormal vital signs to faulty medical equipment.

In another instance, a mother of African descent developed septicemia. Her skin appeared pale and discolored, which are critical signs of sepsis. However, because she was Black, the midwife on duty failed to recognize these symptoms or provide the necessary medical treatment. The evidence also states that the midwife dismissed the participant's concerns and continued her duties as if nothing were amiss.

These scenarios exemplify institutional racism in healthcare. Furthermore, harmful societal beliefs reinforce Eurocentric beauty standards, which influence medical biases. One particularly troubling example from the report involved a midwife who claimed she was taught in midwifery school that an "African pelvis" exists--suggesting that Black women's bodies are inherently flawed.

Racism is a human rights violation as outlined in various human rights laws. Racism destroys the fabric of our society. — Racism needs to die!

Now that you've learned how systemic racism affects Black mothers, I invite you to answer another poll question:

What is the most significant barrier to achieving equitable maternity care?

Lack of provider training
Systemic racism
Policy
Disinformation/Misinformation

How the UK is Addressing Black Maternal Health Disparities?

UK-based organizations, such as the National Health Services(NHS), have raised the alarm about this public health crisis facing Black, Asian, and Mixed-Ethnic populations. The Royal College of Midwives is also taking action and is committed to reforming its midwifery curriculum. One of its initiatives is to decolonize the midwifery curriculum, which will equip midwives with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide equitable care to non-White women and infants.

The NHS has outlined a five-year roadmap to improve health outcomes for Black, Asian, and Mixed-ethnicity populations. A key initiative is ensuring that, by 2024, 75% of mothers from these backgrounds will receive consistent care from the same midwife throughout their pregnancy and delivery. While this treatment model shows promise, it should be supplemented with comprehensive training on implicit bias and anti-Black racism for professionals.

However, there are concerns that NHS initiatives may not adequately address the existing maternal health inequities. Notably, a measurable target for reducing maternal mortality rates among Black mothers remains absent. Addressing these disparities requires a multidisciplinary approach, including evidence-based solutions, innovative policies, and sustainable funding to ensure meaningful change.

The right to raise families in safe, healthy, and sustainable communities is a key tenet of reproductive justice. — Two women represent the act of solidarity in this photo.

Solutions: How You Can Participate in the Movement to Combat Maternal Health Disparities

There are several ways you can take action to improve maternal health outcomes for Black mothers in both the UK and the U.S.:

Advocacy: Contact local officials to raise awareness and advocate for equitable maternity care policies in your jurisdiction.
Support Local Organizations: Engage with groups like Five x More, Birthrights, and the Maternal Mental Health Alliance, which tirelessly work to improve health outcomes.
Donate to Maternal Health Initiatives: Support charities dedicated to closing the inequity gaps in maternity care.
Knowledge is Power: Learn about maternal health disparities and challenge your implicit biases. Conversations can spark change!
Volunteer: Offer your time and skills to maternal health organizations through fundraising or community outreach.

In conclusion, these actions can contribute to the fight for maternal health equity. If we work together, we can push for systemic change and ensure all mothers receive the quality care they deserve.

After reading this blog post, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Please answer the poll below and feel free to share your perspectives in the comments below:

What did you think about this article?