Racial inequities affect an individual's life beyond the social, legal and financial realms. One area that presents an immediate threat to Black Minnesotans is racial and ethnic discrimination in maternal healthcare.

It may be hard to believe, but even with medical advances, Black birthing individuals are dying during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum periods at disproportionally higher rates than their white counterparts.

Black infants also experience poor health outcomes. From 2020-2022, preterm birth rates were highest for Black infants. Black infants were also twice as likely as white infants to be born with a low birth weight.

This isn't a matter of biology. The disparity in maternal mortality rates between Black birthers and white birthers is a symptom of systemic racism and inequality within our healthcare system.

What the numbers say

To better understand Black maternal health in the state, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota (Blue Cross) commissioned a poll of Black Minnesota birthers, ages 16-50. According to the results, over half of Black Minnesota birthers feel that discrimination based on their race/ethnicity negatively impacts their health.

When asked about maternal health inequities, the majority felt that healthcare systems, professionals and insurance providers are responsible for addressing health disparities. At the same time, more than 1 in 3 survey respondents also said they have low confidence in their community healthcare providers to adequately meet their maternal health needs.

Without confidence in care or access to quality care, it's likely that these numbers will remain the same or possibly even worsen over time.

"These findings reinforce that immediate action is necessary to help improve conditions that impact the health of Black birthers and their babies," said Natalie Johnson Lee, Special Projects Director at NorthPoint Health and Wellness Center, a healthcare and human services agency in North Minneapolis.

As a Black woman, mother and grandmother, Johnson Lee knows all too well how racial equity can make a difference in maternal outcomes for Black Minnesotans.

"Addressing Black maternal health is inseparable from addressing broader issues of racial justice and dismantling systems of oppression," she said. "It's time for healthcare systems, professionals and insurers to step up and work collaboratively to address these deeply rooted inequities."

What can make a difference?

Black birthers surveyed said that they ran into multiple barriers and challenges that impacted their maternal health journey. These challenges include racial or cultural bias, lack of access to quality healthcare, employment status, health insurance coverage, community issues such as neighborhood conditions, and stress arising from mental health and financial constraints.

Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach. A strong start begins with changes within the medical community. When asked what could improve their health, 52% of Black birthers said that increasing the representation of Black healthcare professionals would have a strong impact. Increasing representation of Black healthcare providers can enhance cultural understanding and trust within healthcare settings.

Also, 50% of Black birthers said that providing comprehensive prenatal education would have a strong impact on improving Black maternal health. Respondents emphasized that empowering them with knowledge and resources would help them to make informed decisions about their maternal health.

Leading the way

To encourage better health outcomes for Black birthers in the state, NorthPoint Health and Wellness Center has established a perinatal health program. The program focuses on providing high-quality, holistic perinatal care through a welcoming, community-centered, family-focused, patient-led approach that leads to excellent outcomes for pregnant and parenting people and their children.

From removing barriers to integrating clinical and human services, NorthPoint is making a difference in the lives of Black parents and infants in Minnesota. Blue Cross has taken note of this, leading to a powerful collaboration between the organizations.

"Blue Cross' mission is to pave the way for everyone to achieve their healthiest life, and we root our work in advancing racial and health equity to do so," said Alexis Stanley, Communications and Advocacy Consultant at Blue Cross. "NorthPoint's mission and vision to advance culturally responsive care and goals to reduce the inequities experienced by communities strongly align with the commitments Blue Cross has to further racial and health equity across the state."

This sentiment is echoed by Johnson Lee.

"A systemic issue requires a systemic solution," she said. "We're grateful for organizations like Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota who have taken steps to dismantle structural racism — especially in the healthcare setting."

To learn more about the survey results and Black maternal health in the state, visit CenterForPreventionMN.com/Black-Maternal-Health.