Oklahoma Group Helps Black Women Get Adequate Maternity Sare Amid High Mortality Rates

April 18, 2025

Black Maternal Health Week is raising awareness about the alarmingly high death rates among Black pregnant women. Imani's Village, founded in 2020, works to advance infant and maternal health in Oklahoma's Black community through education and doula training. According to the CDC, 50 out of every 100,000 Black women died during pregnancy or childbirth in 2023, compared to just 15 white women.

Who is affected

Black pregnant women
Oklahoma's Black community
Families and loved ones of Black women experiencing pregnancy and childbirth
Marginalized communities

What action is being taken

Imani's Village is offering community-based doula training
The organization is providing free doulas through grants and donors
Black Maternal Health Week is being observed to raise awareness
Imani's Village is offering childbirth education and lactation services

Why it matters

Black women are dying at much higher rates during pregnancy or childbirth (50 per 100,000 compared to 15 per 100,000 for white women)
Misconceptions about Black patients (such as having higher pain tolerance or tougher skin) lead to dismissal of their medical concerns
Essential services like doulas, childbirth education, and lactation support are often perceived as luxury items rather than necessities
The awareness week encourages people of all racial backgrounds to be informed about the issue

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint