Evidence-based policy considerations to support Black maternal and infant health
Iheoma U Iruka, Alicia Reynolds Reddi, Melicia C Whitt-Glover, Evandra Catherine, Brittany L Alexander, Shriona R Walton, Shantel Meek, Larissa Jennings Mayo-WilsonAbstract
Black mothers and birthing people experience the highest maternal mortality rates across racial and ethnic groups. Similarly, Black infants experience the highest rates of mortality, preterm births, and low birthweight of all racial and ethnic groups. Given that 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable, there is an urgency in identifying policies and programs that can ameliorate these health disparities. Our review of high-quality studies identified four sets of federal policies/programs that have disproportionately benefited Black mothers and children, and that stand to mitigate maternal and infant health disparities and improve outcomes. Based on existing evidence, this report offers policy considerations to help achieve health equity for Black mothers and their infants.