Piedmont Chief Nursing Officer: Black women face triple the risk in childbirth
Piedmont Macon’s CNO says systemic racism is a factor in why Black women are more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications.
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Local and national organizations are turning their focus to Black maternal health this week, raising awareness and calling for action to improve maternal outcomes for African American women.
Elizabeth Larkins, Chief Nursing Officer at Piedmont Macon Medical, says the data is clear and alarming.
“The United States is the most dangerous developed country in which to have a baby,” she said. “No matter white, Black or Hispanic.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hundreds of women in the U.S. die each year due to complications during pregnancy or within a year after childbirth. Larkins says this is not only just a public health issue buts a human rights issue.
“If you’re Black and you are having a baby, there is systemic racism at play,” she said. “It’s really the only explanation.” She added that Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women.
The CDC says contributing factors include underlying chronic conditions and unequal access to quality healthcare.
“It’s a dangerous proposition in this country,” Larkins said. “And it’s almost three times as dangerous for Black women as it is for white women in the United States, regardless of education or income.”
Larkins says prenatal care and finding an OB provider you trust are essential.
One organization stepping up is Mother’s Nest, which is hosting its 2nd annual Stroller Strut this weekend to promote awareness and build community support.
“We’re going to be pushing our baby strollers, but if people don’t have a stroller, they can still come out to fellowship with us and just walk or jog if they want to,” Sabrina Friday, Founder and Executive Director of Mother’s Nest, said.
She says it’s important for mothers to feel seen and supported.
“It will benefit because they know they’re not standing alone on this issue—that the community at large cares about them and the outcome of their pregnancy,” she said.
Larkins also shared an important message about maternal mental health.
“It’s OK to seek help if you’re feeling negative emotions after giving birth,” she said. “That is very common. There’s nothing wrong with you that can’t be treated, and you deserve to get help, and your baby needs you to be a healthy mom for them.”
The Stroller Strut will be held Saturday at Amerson River Park in Macon from 2 to 4 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, with no registration required. There will be strollers available for moms who need one and there will also be candy for the children.
