ADDRESSING RACIAL DISPARITIES IN INFANT MORTALITY

In the United States, Black infants die at more than twice the rate of white infants. A significant contributing factor is the lack of diversity in the healthcare workforce, especially in maternal care. Increasing representation among healthcare providers can be a crucial step toward reducing this disparity.

Key Findings:

  • Better Health Outcomes: Research shows that patients with the same race or ethnicity as their provider often report better health outcomes and are more likely to receive preventive care.
  • Underrepresentation in Maternal Care: Despite making up 12–14% of the U.S. population, only 7% of midwives are Black. Similarly, the number of Black OB/GYN residents has declined in recent years.