Independence Blue Cross Foundation tackles Equity in Maternal Health

You wouldn't expect that in the 21st century and the 3rd millennium, with all the strides that the medical profession has made in birthing methods, maternal health would be an issue, but it is.

- Lorraine Lavender-Sams

You would think that in one of the world's richest and most developed countries, maternal health--certainly wouldn't be an issue, but it is a major issue.

Racial disparities in healthcare for African Americans, Latinos, and other minorities have always existed...always been the dirty little whispered secret that no one wanted to address. Black Maternal Health Week, observed April 11th-17th during Minority Health Month, was started in 2018 by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance to raise awareness of and help improve Black maternal health outcomes.

Over generations, obstetrics and gynecology have failed miserably at eliciting any trust at all from African Americans. Black Women's Maternal Health Week has shined a light on the issue of women's maternal health, the lack of concern, and the legislative onslaught from those in power, on women's reproductive rights.

Thursday, April 13th, IBC Foundation Health Equity Foundation hosted a forum addressing Equity in Maternal Care at 1900 Market Street. With Philadelphia among the top most populated cities in the United States, Philadelphia has the highest rate of infant mortality in the first year of life, with 69% of maternal deaths in Philadelphia being women of color.

The Independence Blue Cross, the Equity in Maternal Care program convened over 75 of the region's top maternal health and maternal health experts, leaders in the community, and health centers in a forum and discussion that encompassed all aspects of the birthing journey.