Improving Black Maternal Health across the African Diaspora holistically

Black maternal health is a global crisis, reflecting deep systemic inequities. In the United States, Black women are four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes or experience severe complications than women of any other racial group. Alarmingly, 80% of these deaths are preventable. The recent rollback of reproductive rights has further exacerbated the barriers Black women face in accessing quality obstetrical care. While traditional African birth workers, such as doulas, have gained prominence as vital advocates for maternal health, financial and geographical barriers continue to limit access for many. In Ghana, despite a notable decline in maternal mortality over the past two decades, it remains the second leading cause of death among women. Insufficient access to quality healthcare facilities is a persistent challenge in improving outcomes. Moreover, Black women face heightened vulnerability during the postpartum period, experiencing significant declines in mental and emotional health. This case study explores how a holistic approach—encompassing policy reform, technological innovation, mental health support, and the integration of traditional practices—can address these disparities and improve Black maternal health outcomes globally.