Missing Mothers: Causes of Increased Maternal Mortality of Black Women in the United States

Despite its resources, the United States is failing to mitigate their national maternal mortality rate (MMR). While the United Nations has adopted reducing maternal deaths as part of its Sustainable Development Goals, The United States continues to see a rise in the rate of maternal deaths, especially amongst Black women. In 2020, the average maternal mortality rate in the United States was 23 deaths per 100,000 live births. In Black communities, the maternal death rate was 55. Via analyzing empirical data and academic sources through an intersectional framework, the causes of the high maternal mortality rate among US Black women are evaluated. Key factors include increased rate of comorbidities, socioeconomic barriers to quality medical care, medical discrimination, and increased levels of stress. As the root causes of high maternal mortality among Black women continue to be understood, effective policy can be enacted to quell the crisis.