In San Antonio, a group of determined Black women are taking the reins in the battle against alarming maternal mortality rates by creating their own birthing experiences. In light of disturbing national statistics that particularly affect African American mothers, these women are advocating for themselves in the face of a healthcare system that has repeatedly failed them.
According to the San Antonio Report, non-Hispanic Black women in the United States face 70 deaths per 100,000 births, a rate more than double the national average. Despite the local health department's omission of specific data on maternal deaths among Black women in its annual report, Bexar County Black women are having fewer births but are 50% more likely to deliver newborns with lower birth weight. As a nurse and new mother herself, she opted for a birthing center over a hospital to avoid the biases and systemic risks prevalent in traditional medical settings.
During an event organized by the San Antonio's Metropolitan Health District on April 13 to commemorate Black Maternal Health Week, attendees highlighted the struggle against a patchwork of systemic issues, including inadequate health insurance, dismissive treatment from healthcare providers, and the closure of local hospitals. Corin Reyes, YWCA's director of health equity, cited CDC data showing stark disparities in care received by Black women during labor, with 20% receiving less pain management and 30% experiencing mistreatment.
Misty Harty of the YWCA stressed the broader impact, saying, "While all women face challenges in accessing inadequate health care, Black women find themselves at the intersection of racism, sexism, classism, which exacerbates their struggles." The ripple effect among Black communities is one of suffering, with children growing up without their mothers and families steeped in grief and trauma due to preventable maternal deaths, as reported by the San Antonio Report.
Advocates are not only seeking personal solutions but are also calling for systemic changes. Morjoriee White of the Community Health and Safety Division for Metro Health, suggested the creation of a system that collects data on adverse health outcomes and experiences during a Q&A session. The goal is to identify recurring issues in the healthcare system and hold responsible parties accountable. Medical professionals, it's argued, need to confront their internal biases before any real progress can be made.
Change is also being catalyzed through education and storytelling. Texas A&M University-San Antonio English professor Nicole Carr has directed a documentary titled "High Risk: Black Mothers Protecting Themselves and Their Babies," aiming to illuminate the experiences of Black women and advocate for better medical accountability, according to the San Antonio Report. The documentary contributes valuable narratives that challenge the healthcare system and advocate for Black women's autonomy over their birthing choices.
Nikki McIver-Brown, the midwife responsible for Head's delivery and a co-producer of the documentary, founded San Antonio Nurse Midwife to provide a more equitable alternative for Black mothers. McIver-Brown has also established a nonprofit birth fund to help Black mothers on Medicaid access midwifery services that are not covered by the insurance program.
The movement in San Antonio underscores a desperate and determined fight for dignity and survival in the birthing process. As Black women across the city advocate for themselves and each other, they pioneer a path toward reforming a system that has long ignored their voices and devalued their lives.
