Between 1999–2002 and 2018–2021, the maternal mortality rate in the United States increased by 144% from 9.65 to 23.6 deaths per 100,000 live births. Although women of all races are affected by maternal mortality yearly, it is especially prevalent in black women. In the United States, black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than non-black women. Despite advanced medical technology and ongoing research, black women are continuing to die because of pregnancy at an alarming rate. Many studies suggest that discrimination and implicit bias – defined as subconscious feelings, attitudes, prejudices, and stereotypes an individual has developed due to prior influences and imprints throughout their lives – are contributing factors to this racial disparity. The purpose of this project is to identify the impact implicit bias has on black maternal health as well as actions that can be taken to reduce black maternal mortality.
