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The United States is in a maternal mortality crisis. According to the CDC, the US is currently seeing an uptick in maternal mortality rates. Over the last 50 years, maternal mortality rates had increased from 7 deaths out of 100,000 live births to 32.9 deaths out of 100,000 live births. The maternal mortality rate for African American women is even more alarming, with 69.9 deaths per 100,000 live births.

My interest in the field of public health was sparked by this issue.

To gain a qualitative perspective on this issue, I conducted a study using a phenomenological approach to analyze the birthing experiences of African American women. Through personal narratives, these women provide a unique insight into the birthing crisis in America, which can complement statistical analysis and help develop effective solutions. The narratives revealed common themes such as lack of control, disempowerment, and racial discrimination. To address the maternal mortality crisis in America measures such as employee racial competency training and diversifying healthcare teams can be taken. However, further research with a larger sample size can provide additional insight into the common themes surrounding the birthing experience of African American women.

Source: Hoyert DL. Maternal mortality rates in the United States, 2021. NCHS Health E-Stats. 2023.
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.15620/cdc:124678