Data indicates racism is the most likely cause of the Black maternal health crisis

The AHS Index is a new way to look at data that illuminates a snapshot of our world today. It is intended to highlight health inequities and spark conversation, debate, and wonder.

Percent of pregnancy-related deaths in 2020 in which discrimination was determined to be a contributing cause, or probable contributing cause, according to the Maternal Mortality Review Committees: 30.2%

Percent of Black women who say they have been treated unfairly by a health care provider because of their racial or ethnic background: 21

Times more likely that Black women are to die from a pregnancy-related cause than white women: 3

Percent more likely Black infants are to die during their first year of life than white infants: 100%

Percent of Alameda Health System patients enrolled in Beloved Birth Black Centering group perinatal care who said they felt less racial bias with their health care providers after joining the program: 97%

Who said they felt more empowered, respected, and in control of their health care decisions: 94%

Who noticed that participating in Beloved Birth Black Centering triggered improved care experiences: 97%

Year that the federal government first proclaimed the week of April 11 through April 17 as Black Maternal Health Week: 2024