The United States spends more on health care costs than any other rich nation, yet maternal death rates remain alarmingly higher than comparable countries.

Those risks are much higher for Black women, who are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than White woman, according the CDC. Racial disparities in quality health care, underlying chronic conditions and social determinants of health are all contributing factors to pregnancy-related complications.

Last week in honor of Black Maternal Health Week, leaders of the Congressional Mamas’ Caucus put up portraits of Black mothers who died from maternal health-related causes outside the offices of over 50 Congressional members at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center.

The installation, titled “In Her Honor,” was created by Omari Maynard, a visual artist and educator whose partner, Shamony Gibson, died after giving birth in 2019.

Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, chair of the Congressional Mamas’ Caucus,  joined The Metro to discuss the event and help shine a light on maternal health care disparities. Tlaib represents Michigan’s 12th Congressional District, which includes Detroit and Dearborn. 

Use the media player above to hear the full conversation.

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