By Jolie Zhang '26
Maternal health equity is not only a fundamental human right, but also a critical indicator of societal well-being. Despite advancements in healthcare, persistent maternal health disparities present significant challenges in ensuring that every mother can access quality care and have a safe pregnancy.
In the pursuit of fighting for maternal health equity, epidemiologist Kelli Steidham Hall has brought significant impacts. With a background in nursing and a deep commitment to health equity, she offers a unique perspective as an associate professor in the Heilbrunn Department of Population & Family Health at Columbia University. She sheds light on the often-overlooked drivers of health disparities and expresses, “things like housing instability, food insecurity, structural racism, poverty—they aren’t fully centered in political debates about reproductive access, but they’re centered in people’s lives when they talk about their reproductive choices and outcomes.” Hall underscores the need for individuals to advocate for maternal health equity, emphasizing that achieving justice requires a collective effort.
Maternal health inequity persists across the globe; however, it is particularly pronounced in low-income and minority communities. These vulnerable communities often face challenges such as limited access to prenatal services, racial bias within general healthcare, and unfavorable social determinants of health. All of these barriers contribute to higher rates of preterm birth and other adverse outcomes for both the mothers and their babies. Addressing these disparities is not only a public health urgency, but also a moral imperative that demands policy changes that prioritize equitable access to all women regardless of their racial or socio-economic backgrounds. Drs. Diana W. Bianchi, Janine A. Clayton, and Shannon N. Zenk draw attention to these inequities within maternal health in their online article “Addressing Inequities to IMPROVE Maternal Health for All.” According to this article, “Non-Hispanic Black people are about three times as likely as White people to die from a pregnancy-related cause, regardless of income or education level.” Achieving equitable maternal health outcomes requires targeted interventions that not only bridge racial disparities, but also challenge the structural factors perpetuating these disparities.
But how can communities ensure that every mother, regardless of her background or circumstances, has an equal opportunity to access quality maternal healthcare and achieve the best possible health outcomes for herself and her babies?
Maternal health equity hinges on a multifaceted approach encompassing policy reform, community engagement, and healthcare system improvements. Policy changes, such as expanding Medicaid coverage and mandating paid family leave, are essential to providing equitable access to healthcare. Engaging communities in conversations about maternal health equity empowers them to share insights, ensuring culturally sensitive solutions. Moreover, it also raises awareness for these mothers. Healthcare system improvements must address implicit biases, refine care quality for marginalized communities, and expand services in underserved areas. Robust data collection is pivotal for identifying inequities and monitoring progress. Addressing social determinants like housing stability, food security, education, and employment is equally vital. Initiatives in these areas extend the reach of maternal health equity efforts beyond healthcare services. By advocating for policy shifts, fostering community engagement, improving healthcare systems, utilizing data-driven approaches, and addressing social determinants, every mother becomes one step closer to having equal access to quality maternal healthcare.
In conclusion, maternal health equity stands as a pivotal public health imperative, reverberating across the well-being of families, communities, and society at large. The impact of maternal health on future generations underscores the urgency of our collective action. It's more than just a matter of health; it’s a matter of justice, equality, and the very trajectory of our society. To forge a path toward equity, society must confront the root causes of inequity, amplifying the voices of marginalized communities, and dismantling systemic barriers that hinder access to quality care. By nurturing a society where every mother, regardless of their background or circumstances, can embark on a journey to motherhood with hope and assurance, we pave the way for healthier families and a more just future.
Liles, S. (2023, June 19). Alliance webinar on disparities in maternal health. Alliance for Early Success. https://earlysuccess.org/maternal-health-disparities-webinar?gclid=CjwKCAjwseSoBhBXEiwA9iZtxqEQ22dJQCNpQBy2i8ecqb2-mflaNn6kPqG51R0xfMvYwmVWArIV3RoCgaUQAvD_BwE
Maternal health equity: A community-driven approach to policy-relevant research. Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. (2023, August 22). https://www.publichealth.columbia.edu/news/maternal-health-equity-community-driven-approach-policy-relevant-research
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Addressing inequities to improve maternal health for all. National Institutes of Health. https://orwh.od.nih.gov/about/director/messages/addressing-inequities-to-improve-maternal-health-for-all
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