When You Are Pregnant, Please, Have Daily Check IN

Tori Bowie, 2016 Olympic gold medalist, died alone at home due to complications of pregnancy. African American women in the United States have a higher maternal mortality rate compared to other racial and ethnic groups. According to the CDC, the maternal mortality rate for African American women in the United States was 37.1 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2018. This is more than two and half times higher than the mortality rate for non-Hispanic white women, which was 14.7 deaths per 100,000 live births in the same year.

There are multiple factors that contribute to the higher maternal mortality rate among African American women, including but not limited too, systemic racism, discrimination in healthcare, socioeconomic factors and access to healthcare. Addressing these factors requires a multifaceted approach that involves improving access to healthcare, addressing systemic racism and discrimination and addressing social determinants of health.

Why was Tori Bowie alone? She was found during a welfare check after she hadn’t been seen for a couple of days. We know African American women are at this higher risk for pregnancy complications. We know there is a loneliness epidemic. These two public health concerns ended in tragedy for Tori and her daughter. Don’t let the sun set without checking in on a pregnant friend.