Addressing the risk of disproportionate maternal mortality among black and brown women

Abstract

Black and brown women are three times more likely to die in childbirth or up to 6 weeks postpartum compared to their white counterparts. Several critical factors contribute to this inequality, including racism and a predominantly white population in midwifery and education. The significant lack of diversity in midwifery education, among educators and in the profession as a whole is a catalyst for a lack of culturally focused care. Collaborative work is needed between black and brown women, midwives, the Nursing and Midwifery Council, Health Education England, higher education institutions that deliver midwifery education, the government, NHS trusts and key stakeholders. Tailored collaborations must focus on concrete actions and impact-measuring approaches that will reduce the high mortality rate among black and brown women and improve outcomes to make maternity care safe for all women.