Massachusetts boasts one of the nation's top healthcare systems, yet it still falls short in many areas. Specifically, Black women encounter complications during childbirth at a rate 2.5 times higher compared to White women. Additionally, they confront a maternal mortality rate due to pregnancy issues that exceeds that of White mothers by over triple.
Researchers at MOTHER Lab at Tufts University School Of Medicine are searching for ways to prevent these kinds of tragedies, and they're already seeing results.
We need to determine how we can share these tales.
Similar to every expectant mother, Shamony Gibson was eagerly anticipating the growth of her family. As a content parent of one child with plans for another, she and her companion, Omari Maynard, were preparing to bring their baby boy into their lives.
"We've grasped this concept, you see. We comprehend what it entails to collaborate, construct, and form a family unit, as you know, making our prospects look quite promising," Maynard stated.
Unfortunately, Gibson passed away due to a blood clot in her lungs, which was a complication following an unexpected Caesarean section.
Only 13 days prior to her passing, Gibson created a video for her yet-to-be-born child, stating, "I can't wait for you to arrive tomorrow."
"I wasn’t aware, naturally, that this would be our final collaboration, and that this recording would capture what might have been both their initial dialogue as well as potentially their last one between mother and son,” Maynard stated.
Even though he is heartbroken, Maynard believes his loss might bring about transformation.
He stated that if we aim to genuinely transform and improve birth outcomes and truly address the maternal health crisis, we must find ways to share the narratives of all these women like Shamony.
The founder of MOTHER Lab states that racial inequalities are resulting in lost lives.
The MOTHER Lab examines racial inequalities in maternity healthcare, according to its founder and director Dr. Ndidiamaka N. Amutah-Onukagha, these discrepancies can be fatal.
The location where you receive care impacts your results. It depends on what facilities are available to you, the caliber of doctors, and the quality of resources," she stated. "Frankly, these gaps and prejudices are resulting in lost lives.
In 2023, a report from the state’s Department of Public Health showed that the incidence of severe maternal morbidity in Massachusetts increased by 25% over the past ten years.
"Giving names to numbers since we're well aware that Black women face mortality rates three to four times higher during childbirth compared to White women," stated research assistant Emily Teixeira.
Research from MOTHER Lab has already contributed to bringing about changes in Massachusetts.
Last summer, Governor Maura Healey signed the "Momnibus Bill," aimed at enhancing accessibility to midwifery services and birthing alternatives outside of hospitals.
However, Amutah-Onukagha understands that there's still more work to be accomplished.
"It also rejuvenates your energy for the work because we must be very clear and highly watchful about not just how Black women—are honestly facing failures within the healthcare system," she stated.
Amutah-Onukagha states that these issues can be readily avoided, which is precisely why they are increasing awareness through their Eighth Annual Black Maternal Health Conference happening this weekend prior to Black Maternal Health Week next week. Additional details can be obtained at motherlab.org .