Action on Social Determinants of Black Maternal and Infant Mortality in the United States

Written by Megan Barter Sedig & Dula F. Pacquaio

doi: https://doi.org/10.13178/jnparr.2021.11.02.1108

Abstract

Background: Disparities in Black and White maternal and infant morbidity and mortality have increased in the U.S. Globally, the nation trails other developed countries, ranking 31st in infant mortality and 55th in maternal mortality. Black women have 2.4 to 3.3 times pregnancy-related mortality rate than white women and are more likely to deliver preterm and/or low and very low birth weight infants. In 2017, Black infant mortality rate was
122% higher than that of non-Hispanic white infant. Racial disparities continue to persist despite improvement in the socioeconomic and educational status of Black women.

Objective: The purpose of this article is to describe the social determinants contributing to Black maternal and infant health disparities. It presents theoretical and empirical explanations linking the pathways between these determinants and health vulnerabilities of Black mothers and their infants.

Conclusion: Actions addressing these social determinants recognize the impact of the legacy of slavery and racism on minority stress from living in segregated and deprived environments with concentrated poverty and crime, and lack of quality services and life opportunities. Improvement in measurement and monitoring of health disparities should integrate the effect of compounding variables of social inequity to grasp more fully the
impact of social determinants on the health of specific populations.

Keywords: Black maternal mortality, Black infant mortality, social determinants of health, paid family leave