Black Philanthropy Month Spotlight: Addressing Black Maternal Health Disparities

“In the U.S., Black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. Black women are also two times more likely to experience severe maternal morbidity and 1.5 times more likely to have a preterm delivery, compared to their white counterparts.” (Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 2024) 

August is a meaningful month in the context of Black liberation, history, resilience, and resistance. As we celebrate Black Philanthropy Month, remember that every statistic represents real women, real families, and real communities. Supporting Black doulas and birth workers is not just about improving numbers; it's about saving lives, ensuring dignity in childbirth, and fostering resilience in our communities. These professionals are on the front lines, saving lives and advancing Black maternal health equity. 

At ABFE, we recognize that advancing Black maternal health is critical to achieving health equity for Black communities, aligning with our Ten Imperatives, developed with over 60 Black philanthropic CEOs. Our goal is to eradicate racial disparities in health, address police brutality, and improve overall well-being in Black communities by dismantling discriminatory structures and fostering strong partnerships. We call on philanthropy, foundations, and the broader sector to join us in supporting Black doulas and birth workers, committing to an equity-focused approach in all investments and actions. Together, we can make significant strides toward healthier outcomes for Black mothers and their babies, ensuring a sustained effort toward racial equity. 

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Source: ABFE: A Philanthropic Partnership for Black Communities