Black Maternal Health Week (BMHW), observed annually from April 11-17, is more than an observance—it is a call to action. Established by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, BMHW brings national attention to the persistent racial disparities in maternal health, the systemic barriers Black women face, and the urgent need for policy reform.
This year, the call to action is even more urgent. The return of the Trump administration signals policy rollbacks that directly threaten maternal health, disproportionately harming Black women.
The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate among high-income nations, and Black women remain nearly 3.5 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women. With the return of the Trump administration, critical health care protections are being rolled back, reproductive rights further restricted, and maternal health research funding placed at risk. The political stakes in 2025—and the next four years—will shape the future of Black maternal health at a pivotal moment in this ongoing crisis.
As we consider these challenges, the evidence becomes starkly clear. The crisis facing Black mothers is not new—but it is preventable. Racial bias in health care leads to delayed diagnoses, inadequate treatment, and dismissive attitudes toward Black women’s pain and medical concerns. For instance, a review published in the Journal of Women’s Health reveals that implicit bias in medical decision-making significantly contributes to higher rates of maternal morbidity among Black women.
U.S. Rep. Cori Bush, D-Missouri, testifies before the House Oversight and Reform Committee on Black maternal deaths and pregnancy complications (screenshot).
This reality is deeply personal for former Missouri congresswoman Cori Bush, who has publicly shared her own traumatic birthing experiences. In her 2021 congressional testimony, Bush recounted, ”At 23 weeks, my son was born, one pound, three ounces. His ears were still in his head. His eyes were still fused shut. His fingers were smaller than rice, and his skin was translucent.”
She went on to describe how she had sought medical care days earlier, only to be ignored: “I was told that I was fine, and I was sent home. But I wasn’t fine. The next morning, I went into preterm labor. My son was born months early because, despite my concerns, my doctor didn’t take me seriously.”
Bush later called out the systemic failures that endanger Black mothers and babies: “Every day, Black women die because the system denies our humanity. It strips us of our dignity.” Her testimony underscores the urgent need for reforms that address racial bias in maternal health care and center the voices of Black mothers.
Economic and systemic barriers compound the problem. Black women are more likely to experience severe maternal complications like hemorrhage, hypertensive disorders, and infections—often without the timely medical intervention they need. Hospital closures in predominantly Black communities, limited insurance coverage, and a shortage of Black maternal health providers further exacerbate disparities.
Under the previous administrations, programs were implemented to expand Medicaid postpartum coverage, invest in Black maternal health research, and promote community-based maternal health solutions. Now, many of those advances are under threat.
Missouri’s recent Medicaid expansion offers a critical case study of how policy changes can influence maternal health outcomes. Approved by voters in August 2020 and implemented in October 2021, the expansion aimed to provide coverage to more low-income adults, including women of childbearing age. While specific data on maternal mortality rates post-expansion are still being analyzed, research indicates that Medicaid expansion is associated with lower maternal mortality rates.
A study published in Health Affairs found that states with Medicaid expansion had 6–7 fewer maternal deaths per 100,000 live births compared to non-expansion states. This policy change holds promise for improving maternal health outcomes in Missouri. However, sustaining these improvements will require continued investment in Medicaid programs and ensuring newly eligible individuals can navigate the enrollment process effectively.
Under the previous administrations, programs were implemented to expand Medicaid postpartum coverage, invest in Black maternal health research, and promote community-based maternal health solutions. Now, many of those advances are under threat. (Photo source: Adobe Stock Photo)
Federal Policy Rollbacks and Their Impact on Black Maternal Health
The return of Trump-era policies is already impacting Black maternal health outcomes. Cuts to medical research funding have put critical studies on maternal health disparities in jeopardy. The Guardian reports that budget reductions to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other research entities will slow the progress made in understanding and addressing racial disparities in maternal care.
Access to reproductive health care is also at risk. The Trump administration has backed a federal abortion ban, which, if enacted, would eliminate access to lifesaving reproductive health care for millions of women, particularly in states that have already implemented near-total bans. Reports indicate that maternal deaths have already increased in states with abortion restrictions due to higher rates of forced high-risk pregnancies.
In addition, Trump’s renewed efforts to repeal or weaken the Affordable Care Act (ACA) put Medicaid coverage at risk for low-income families. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, states that expanded Medicaid saw maternal deaths decline, particularly for Black women. A reversal of these policies could lead to a devastating rise in preventable maternal deaths.
Why Advocacy and Action Are Critical in 2025 and Beyond
BMHW has always been a time for awareness and activism, but in this political climate, it is a necessity. Black maternal health advocates are not just fighting for policy improvements—they are actively resisting an administration that is reversing progress.
The Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act, first introduced in 2021, was designed to address racial disparities in maternal health care through investments in community-driven solutions, research, and improved access to care. While some provisions were passed under President Joe Biden, the Trump administration has deprioritized the legislation. Advocates must now push for state-level adoption of these policies, ensuring local governments step in where federal protections fall short.
State Medicaid expansions are another front-line issue. While some states have extended postpartum Medicaid coverage to 12 months, others have resisted expansion efforts. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, states that have extended postpartum coverage have seen improved maternal health outcomes. If federal protections are rolled back, advocacy groups must pressure state leaders to act independently.
Grassroots organizations are also critical in addressing Black maternal health disparities. Groups like the National Birth Equity Collaborative and the Black Mamas Matter Alliance continue to lead efforts to train Black birth workers, advocate for policy change, and provide direct support to Black mothers navigating a hostile health care system.
In Kansas City, that momentum is further exemplified by organizations such as Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center and Altruism Inc.’s The MaIH Center, which deliver essential prenatal, postpartum, and reproductive health services. These direct care providers play a crucial role in addressing maternal health disparities by offering accessible, high-quality care. Their efforts not only meet immediate health care needs but also serve as scalable models for improving maternal health outcomes across the region. Sustained funding and public support remain vital to ensuring these organizations continue their transformative work.
Studies have shown that when Black mothers are cared for by Black physicians, their health outcomes improve significantly. (Photo source: Adobe Stock Photo)
Centering Black Voices in Maternal Care
The most effective solutions to the Black maternal health crisis start with centering Black voices. Studies have shown that when Black mothers are cared for by Black physicians, their health outcomes improve significantly. Yet Black health care professionals remain underrepresented in maternal care. Expanding funding for Black midwives, doulas, and OB-GYNs and implementing policies that require implicit bias training in medical schools are essential steps toward change.
Additionally, holding health care systems accountable for racial bias is crucial. Recent lawsuits have revealed cases where Black women were denied proper maternal care due to discriminatory practices. Strengthening legal protections and increasing transparency in hospital maternal health outcomes can help create a safer and more equitable health care system.
A Call to Action
In 2025, Black Maternal Health Week serves as a powerful reminder that maternal justice is not a privilege—it is a right. In this critical moment, when harmful policies are threatening access to reproductive health care, research funding, and Medicaid protections, your action is needed now more than ever.
Here are concrete steps you can take:
- Contact Your Elected Officials:
Reach out to your local, state, and federal representatives to demand policies that expand Medicaid, safeguard reproductive rights, and invest in Black maternal health research. Your voice is essential to holding policymakers accountable. - Support Local Organizations:
Seek out grassroots organizations in your area that work to improve maternal health outcomes and promote health equity. Your local support can drive community change wherever you live. - Stay Informed and Spread the Word:
Keep up with developments in maternal health policy and share credible information within your community. Educating yourself and others builds the foundation for sustained change. - Participate in Advocacy Events:
Join rallies, forums, and other advocacy events during Black Maternal Health Week and beyond. Your participation amplifies the call for change and demonstrates collective power. - Engage in Community Dialogue:
Attend or host local forums where community members, health care providers, and policymakers can discuss the challenges and share solutions for improving Black maternal health outcomes.
The urgency of this moment cannot be overstated. Advocates, policymakers, and communities must work together to resist harmful policies and push forward solutions that protect Black mothers and babies. The fight for Black maternal health is a fight for reproductive justice, racial justice, and human rights. And in this critical year, advocacy is not optional—it is a matter of survival.
