Maternal Mortality in Black Women

Background: Over the past several decades, the maternal morbidity and mortality rates have been climbing in America at an alarming rate, especially for a country as economically dominant as the United States. While these unfortunate statistics continue to increase amongst all races, African American women have faced the most unfortunate of circumstances while bringing their children into the world. According to the Centers for Disease Control, Black women are three to four times as likely to die from pregnancy or child-birth related complications than white women. Purpose: This literature review aims to dissect access to healthcare and racial discrimination to determine the effect on the maternal health of Black women. Methodology: A variety of studies have been systematically reviewed to analyze the underlying problems and possible solutions to this maternal crisis. There were several tools used to systematically search for peer-reviewed literature. The PRISMA evidence-based flow chart was used to document article selections based on inclusion and exclusion criteria which included. We used specific inclusion and exclusion criteria to help guide our search for relevant literature which included “maternal mortality” and “Black women.” We are using the Johns Hopkins Evidence-based Practice Model appraisal tools to appraise the evidence level and quality level prior to the analysis of data. Results: The final results of this article will be discussed at the symposium as the review analysis is still in progress