{"id":10414,"date":"2026-06-23T14:36:55","date_gmt":"2026-06-23T22:36:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/?p=10414"},"modified":"2026-06-23T16:44:55","modified_gmt":"2026-06-24T00:44:55","slug":"how-to-combat-racial-disparities-in-maternal-health-6-key-strategies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-combat-racial-disparities-in-maternal-health-6-key-strategies","title":{"rendered":"How to Combat Racial Disparities in Maternal Health: 6 Key Strategies"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 ez-toc-wrap-center counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">In This Article<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-combat-racial-disparities-in-maternal-health-6-key-strategies\/#Understanding_the_Root_of_Disparities\" >Understanding the Root of Disparities<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-combat-racial-disparities-in-maternal-health-6-key-strategies\/#Strategy_1_Improve_Access_to_Quality_Maternal_Care\" >Strategy #1: Improve Access to Quality Maternal Care<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-combat-racial-disparities-in-maternal-health-6-key-strategies\/#Strategy_2_Address_Bias_and_Discrimination_in_Healthcare\" >Strategy #2: Address Bias and Discrimination in Healthcare<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-combat-racial-disparities-in-maternal-health-6-key-strategies\/#Strategy_3_Strengthen_and_Diversify_the_Healthcare_Workforce\" >Strategy #3: Strengthen and Diversify the Healthcare Workforce<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-combat-racial-disparities-in-maternal-health-6-key-strategies\/#Strategy_4_Address_Social_Determinants_of_Health\" >Strategy #4: Address Social Determinants of Health<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-combat-racial-disparities-in-maternal-health-6-key-strategies\/#Strategy_5_Improve_Data_Accountability_and_Policy\" >Strategy #5: Improve Data, Accountability, and Policy<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-combat-racial-disparities-in-maternal-health-6-key-strategies\/#Strategy_6_Invest_in_Community-Based_and_Culturally_Competent_Care\" >Strategy #6: Invest in Community-Based and Culturally Competent Care<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-combat-racial-disparities-in-maternal-health-6-key-strategies\/#Addressing_Maternal_Health_Disparities_Bringing_It_All_Together\" >Addressing Maternal Health Disparities: Bringing It All Together<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-combat-racial-disparities-in-maternal-health-6-key-strategies\/#Black_Maternal_Health_Resources_List\" >Black Maternal Health Resources List<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-combat-racial-disparities-in-maternal-health-6-key-strategies\/#Key_Takeaways\" >Key Takeaways<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-combat-racial-disparities-in-maternal-health-6-key-strategies\/#Resources\" >Resources<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When people think about pregnancy and childbirth, they tend to imagine exciting milestones, like hearing a baby&#8217;s heartbeat for the first time, preparing the nursery, or meeting a newborn after months of anticipation. But for many families, pregnancy and childbirth also pose serious health risks. In the United States, hundreds of women die during pregnancy or within a year of giving birth each year, and thousands more experience short- and long-term complications related to pregnancy and childbirth. Even more concerning, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/womens-health\/features\/maternal-mortality.html\"><strong>more than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are considered preventable<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While advances in medicine have significantly improved maternal care over the last century, pregnancy-related complications remain a major public health concern, with the US <a href=\"https:\/\/www.commonwealthfund.org\/publications\/issue-briefs\/2024\/jun\/insights-us-maternal-mortality-crisis-international-comparison\">maternal mortality rate<\/a> far exceeding that of other high-income countries. Each year, there are 18.6 deaths per 100,000 live births during pregnancy or within the year following childbirth, and thousands more women experience serious short- and long-term health complications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not everyone experiences these risks equally. When we examine the number of deaths per 100,000 live births in 2023, there are <a href=\"https:\/\/odphp.health.gov\/healthypeople\/objectives-and-data\/browse-objectives\/pregnancy-and-childbirth\/reduce-maternal-deaths-mich-04\/infographic\">significant disparities in the overall maternal mortality rate<\/a>, with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kff.org\/racial-equity-and-health-policy\/racial-disparities-in-maternal-and-infant-health-current-status-and-key-issues\/\"><strong>Black women 3-4 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes<\/strong><\/a> than white women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>10.7 deaths in Asian women<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>12.4 deaths in Hispanic women<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>14.5 deaths in White women<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>50.3 deaths in Black women<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/policycentermmh.org\/maternal-mortality-in-the-u-s-a-declining-trend-with-persistent-racial-disparities-in-the-black-population\/\">These disparities<\/a> can\u2019t be explained by biology alone. Instead, they reflect the complex ways that healthcare access, racism, discrimination, economic conditions, community resources, and public policy influence maternal health outcomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Let\u2019s explore the factors contributing to maternal health inequities and discuss six evidence-based strategies to improve outcomes and advance maternal <a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/black-health-inequity-a-cry-for-equity-and-justice-for-all\">health equity.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Understanding_the_Root_of_Disparities\"><\/span><strong>Understanding the Root of Disparities<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Maternal health outcomes are shaped by more than medical care alone.<\/strong> Research shows that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/what-are-the-social-determinants-of-health-and-why-are-they-important\">social, economic, and environmental factors play a significant role<\/a> in determining who has access to the resources and support needed for a healthy pregnancy and postpartum period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For many communities of color, barriers such as poverty, food insecurity, housing instability, gaps in insurance coverage, and limited access to healthcare can make it more difficult to receive timely prenatal and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/video\/Postpartum_care:_Nursing\">postpartum care<\/a>. These challenges are often linked to broader social and structural inequities that influence health long before pregnancy begins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Access to care is another important factor. Some communities face shortages of healthcare professionals and facilities that provide maternal care, particularly in rural areas. These shortages disproportionately affect American Indian, Alaska Native, and Black women, creating additional barriers to receiving care throughout pregnancy and childbirth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Research has also shown that racism and discrimination contribute to disparities in maternal health outcomes. One study found that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/vitalsigns\/respectful-maternity-care\/index.html\">discrimination played a role in nearly 30% of pregnancy-related deaths<\/a>. Other studies have found that <a href=\"https:\/\/nationalpartnership.org\/report\/black-womens-maternal-health\/\">Black and Hispanic women experience higher rates of mistreatment<\/a> during pregnancy and childbirth, while Black women are more likely to undergo cesarean deliveries than white women with similar health profiles. While some of these differences persist even after adjusting for clinical risk factors and demographic characteristics, researchers continue to examine how healthcare access, hospital-level practices, quality of care, patient-provider interactions, and structural inequities contribute to these disparities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These findings highlight an important reality: <strong>maternal health disparities aren&#8217;t driven by a single factor<\/strong>. They\u2019re influenced by the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/learn\/Social_Determinants_of_Health\">social determinants of health<\/a>, access to quality healthcare, experiences of racism and discrimination, and the policies and systems that shape health opportunities. Because these disparities have multiple causes, addressing them requires coordinated action across healthcare systems, communities, and public policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The following six strategies represent key opportunities to improve maternal health outcomes and reduce <a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/equity-diversity-inclusion-in-healthcare\">racial disparities in care<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"863\" width=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/comforting-patient-during-labor_worried.png?w=1024\" alt=\"Osmosis style illustration of a pregnant patient lying on their side in a hospital bed while fetal monitoring equipment is attached to the abdomen. A healthcare professional stands nearby, reviewing the monitor and speaking with the patient, suggesting prenatal assessment, labor monitoring, or maternal-fetal care.\" class=\"wp-image-10421\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.18676113020877;width:427px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/comforting-patient-during-labor_worried.png 1339w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/comforting-patient-during-labor_worried.png?resize=300,253 300w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/comforting-patient-during-labor_worried.png?resize=768,647 768w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/comforting-patient-during-labor_worried.png?resize=1024,863 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Strategy_1_Improve_Access_to_Quality_Maternal_Care\"><\/span>Strategy #<strong>1: Improve Access to Quality Maternal Care<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Access to healthcare before, during, and after pregnancy is one of the most important factors influencing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dhcs.ca.gov\/data-statistics\/prenatal-and-postpartum-care-timeliness-of-prenatal-care\/\">maternal health outcomes<\/a>. <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/learn\/Prenatal_Care\">Prenatal care<\/a> provides opportunities to identify potential complications before they become an issue, manage existing health conditions, support healthy behaviors, and connect families with the resources they need. Postpartum care is equally important because many pregnancy-related complications occur after delivery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What happens if someone can&#8217;t access care? Research shows that <strong>patients who don\u2019t receive prenatal care are 3 to 4 times more likely to die due to pregnancy-related complications<\/strong>, and have an infant mortality rate nearly five times higher than that of infants who received prenatal care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Geographic barriers also play a role. Many communities face shortages of maternal healthcare providers and facilities, with access varying across insurance types and geographic regions. In California, for example, 82% of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/podcast\/fallout-from-changes-to-medicaid-chiquita-brooks-lasure\">Medicaid<\/a> beneficiaries received timely prenatal care compared with 92% of individuals covered by commercial insurance. At the same time, <strong>nearly <a href=\"https:\/\/www.commonwealthfund.org\/publications\/issue-briefs\/2024\/jun\/insights-us-maternal-mortality-crisis-international-comparison\">seven million women in the US live in rural areas and counties without any obstetric providers<\/a><\/strong> or hospitals that offer obstetric services, creating additional <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gao.gov\/products\/gao-23-105871\">challenges for accessing care<\/a> during pregnancy and childbirth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Addressing these gaps requires action at multiple levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Healthcare systems can improve access by standardizing evidence-based care, expanding telehealth services, integrating maternal health screening into primary care settings, and strengthening referral networks. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/social-determinants-of-health-social-and-community-context\">Communities can identify and address local barriers<\/a> such as transportation challenges, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/social-determinants-of-health-economic-stability\">housing instability, food insecurity, financial stress<\/a>, and exposure to violence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Healthcare professionals also play an important role by offering their services at community health centers, connecting patients with community resources, supporting insurance navigation, and helping individuals access services such as nutrition counseling, mental health support, and stress-management programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Improving access to quality maternal care is one of the most effective ways to reduce preventable pregnancy-related complications and advance maternal health equity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Strategy_2_Address_Bias_and_Discrimination_in_Healthcare\"><\/span>Strategy #2: Address Bias and Discrimination in Healthcare<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Improving access to care is only part of the solution. To reduce racial disparities in maternal health, it&#8217;s also important to address the ways that <strong>structural racism<\/strong>, bias, and discrimination can influence healthcare experiences and outcomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Structural racism refers to the ways that laws, policies, institutions, and systems (often unknowingly) create and perpetuate inequities. These inequities can affect health long before pregnancy begins by influencing access to education, employment opportunities, housing, healthcare, and other resources that support well-being. During pregnancy, structural racism can also shape healthcare experiences and contribute to differences in maternal outcomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Within healthcare settings, <strong>both conscious\/explicit and unconscious\/<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/events\/video\/how-to-recognize-and-overcome-unconscious-bias-in-healthcare\">implicit bias<\/a><\/strong> can affect the quality of care patients receive and contribute to adverse maternal outcomes. Research demonstrates that <strong>Black women are more likely to report having their concerns dismissed during pregnancy and childbirth<\/strong> and experience higher rates of mistreatment (inequitable healthcare access, quality of care, communication, and overall negative patient experiences) than their white counterparts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Studies have also documented disparities in pain assessment and treatment across racial groups, highlighting how discriminatory beliefs and practices that have historically influenced medical care are still present and actively affecting Black patients. In fact, <strong>false beliefs about biological differences between Black and white patients<\/strong>, including the <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC4843483\/\">misconception that Black people feel less pain<\/a>, persist among some healthcare trainees and providers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The effects of racism in healthcare extend beyond individual interactions. Historical injustices, including <a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/a-hidden-history-of-medicine-unethical-experiments-on-black-communities\">unethical medical experimentation on Black communities<\/a>, have contributed to longstanding distrust of healthcare institutions. Understanding this history is important because trust plays a critical role in healthcare engagement, communication, and maternal health outcomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Building trust requires respectful, patient-centered care.<\/strong> In a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aamchealthjustice.org\/news\/polling\/trustworthy-care-conception-cradle\">2024 poll<\/a>, 16% of respondents reported feeling ignored, disrespected, coerced, medically harmed, or dismissed by a healthcare provider, with higher rates reported among younger adults and racial and ethnic minority populations. The same poll found that trust declined during the postpartum period, highlighting the importance of continued support after delivery. And when asked what contributes to trustworthy care, <strong>97% of respondents said providers should communicate honestly, clearly, and empathetically while respecting patient autonomy<\/strong>. Respondents from racial and ethnic minority groups also emphasized the importance of active listening and patient-centered care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Healthcare systems can help address these challenges through a combination of provider education, quality improvement initiatives, and standardized care practices. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/learn\/Implicit_bias\">Implicit bias<\/a> training can help healthcare professionals recognize assumptions that may influence patient interactions and clinical decision-making. Standardized care protocols can also reduce variation in treatment and improve outcomes. For example, implementing a standardized labor induction protocol has been associated with <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC8055190\/\">reductions in racial disparities in cesarean deliveries and infant morbidity<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Addressing bias and discrimination in healthcare is an important step toward ensuring that every patient receives respectful, equitable, and high-quality maternal care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"557\" width=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/Happy-group-students-3.png?w=1024\" alt=\"Osmosis style illustration of a diverse group of healthcare professionals and students. Several individuals wear scrubs or white coats, while others hold books or celebrate with raised arms. The image emphasizes inclusion, diversity, accessibility, and community within healthcare and education.\" class=\"wp-image-10420\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.8384258206968211;width:682px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/Happy-group-students-3.png 6546w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/Happy-group-students-3.png?resize=300,163 300w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/Happy-group-students-3.png?resize=768,418 768w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/Happy-group-students-3.png?resize=1024,557 1024w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/Happy-group-students-3.png?resize=1536,836 1536w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/Happy-group-students-3.png?resize=2048,1114 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Strategy_3_Strengthen_and_Diversify_the_Healthcare_Workforce\"><\/span><strong>Strategy #3: Strengthen and Diversify the Healthcare Workforce<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our world is rich and full of different cultures, languages, races, and ideas. Therefore, it makes sense that the healthcare workforce should reflect that diversity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The healthcare workforce plays an important role in shaping patient experiences, access to care, and health outcomes. Building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities it serves can help strengthen trust, improve communication, and advance maternal health equity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Research reveals that <strong>representation matters<\/strong>. Studies have found that Black patients report higher levels of satisfaction when receiving care from Black physicians and may be more likely to agree to recommended preventive services, screenings, and vaccinations. Physicians from underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds are also more likely to practice in medically underserved communities, helping expand access to care where it is needed most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Creating pathways for students from underrepresented backgrounds to enter healthcare professions is one strategy for addressing workforce disparities. Reducing barriers to education, training, and leadership opportunities can help create a healthcare workforce that is better equipped to meet the needs of diverse patient populations. Representation matters, and addressing structural racism, bias, and discrimination in healthcare requires diverse healthcare professionals and leaders at every level of the system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In addition to workforce diversity, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-become-a-culturally-competent-clinician\"><strong>culturally responsive care<\/strong><\/a> is essential to improving maternal health outcomes. Providers who take the time to understand each patient&#8217;s experiences, values, and perspectives can build stronger relationships, support shared decision-making, and provide more effective care. Cultural responsiveness also requires curiosity, humility, and a willingness to learn from the communities being served.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Expanding access to <a href=\"https:\/\/policycentermmh.org\/lay-professionals\/\"><strong>midwives, doulas, and community health workers<\/strong><\/a> can also help improve maternal health outcomes. Research has shown that <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC11652773\/\">patients who receive care from midwives<\/a> are <a href=\"https:\/\/publichealth.jhu.edu\/2023\/solving-the-black-maternal-health-crisis\">less likely to experience preterm birth, less likely to undergo cesarean delivery<\/a>, and more likely to breastfeed. Doulas, who provide support throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, have been associated with fewer birth complications and lower rates of low birth weight. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/learn\/Community_Health_Nursing_Practice\">Community health workers<\/a> can further support patients by coordinating care, connecting families with resources, and providing culturally relevant education and support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Together, these approaches can help reduce barriers to care, strengthen trust between patients and providers, and improve maternal health outcomes for communities that have historically experienced healthcare inequities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Strategy_4_Address_Social_Determinants_of_Health\"><\/span><strong>Strategy #4: Address Social Determinants of Health<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although medical care plays an important role in maternal health, it\u2019s only one piece of the puzzle. Because not all access to resources is created equal, health outcomes are also shaped by the circumstances in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age. (For example, consider that <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC11652773\/\">kids living in neighborhoods with poor air quality often experience higher rates of asthma<\/a>, &nbsp;whereas <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jacionline.org\/article\/S0091-6749(21)00661-8\/fulltext\">children raised in agricultural environments have dramatically lower rates<\/a> of asthma and allergies).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These circumstances are known as the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/what-are-the-social-determinants-of-health-and-why-are-they-important\">social determinants of health<\/a> (SDOH)<\/strong>, and they influence access to opportunities and resources that support healthy pregnancies and positive birth outcomes. The SDOH include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/social-determinants-of-health-economic-stability\">Economic Stability<\/a><\/strong><strong>:<\/strong> Being financially stable enables access to quality healthcare, food, and housing, while economic instability decreases life expectancy and increases the risk of unfavorable health outcomes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/social-determinants-of-health-education-access-and-quality\">Education Access and Quality<\/a><\/strong><strong>: <\/strong>Having a higher level of education is linked to better outcomes, including higher earnings, improved <a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/learn\/Health_literacy:_Nursing\">health literacy<\/a>, and better health outcomes. Poor<a href=\"https:\/\/learningpolicyinstitute.org\/product\/how-money-matters-factsheet\"> education quality<\/a> leads to health and educational disparities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-important-are-our-neighborhoods-and-built-environments-in-shaping-our-health#The_Link_Between_Neighborhood_Built_Environment_and_Health\">Neighborhood and Built Environment<\/a><\/strong><strong>: <\/strong>Safe living environments, healthy food options, and clean water promote better health. Unsafe environments are risk factors for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/learn\/First_Responders_First_-_Physical%2C_mental%2C_%26_emotional_toll_of_stress\">chronic stress,<\/a> which increases the risk for chronic conditions such as diabetes, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/learn\/Hypertension\">hypertension<\/a>, and mental health conditions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/social-determinants-of-health-social-and-community-context\">Social and Community Context<\/a><\/strong><strong>: <\/strong>Supporting emotional well-being and access to resources is linked to supportive relationships and social networks. Conversely, discrimination and isolation negatively impact health outcomes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/social-determinants-of-health-health-care-access-and-quality#Addressing_Healthcare_Disparities_Using_Social_Determinants_of_Health\">Health Care Access and Quality<\/a><\/strong><strong>: <\/strong>Socioeconomic status, discrimination, provider shortages, and geographic location are limiting factors to receiving high-quality health care and lead to worse health outcomes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>All of these key factors help explain why maternal health disparities persist across racial and ethnic groups.<\/strong> Housing instability, transportation barriers, food insecurity, and <a href=\"https:\/\/learningpolicyinstitute.org\/product\/how-money-matters-factsheet\">economic hardship<\/a> make it more difficult to access healthcare and maintain health during pregnancy. Research also shows that <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC10313205\/\">chronic stress associated with racism and other social inequities<\/a> negatively affects maternal and infant health outcomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because many of the factors that influence maternal health exist outside of traditional healthcare settings, reducing disparities requires solutions that extend beyond healthcare alone. Cross-sector partnerships that bring together healthcare organizations, public health agencies, housing programs, educational institutions, and community organizations can help address the root causes of health inequities. For example, one recent study found that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rwjf.org\/en\/insights\/blog\/2024\/05\/local-solutions-can-improve-maternal-and-birthing-health.html\">investments in housing and social services<\/a> were associated with reductions in severe maternal morbidity during labor and delivery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Addressing the social determinants of health, including housing stability, food security, and access to healthcare, is a clear and demonstrable method to improve patient outcomes and reduce disparities.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"1024\" width=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/studet_L-shaped-desk_study_research.png?w=1024\" alt=\"Osmosis style illustration of a healthcare professional seated at a desk reviewing data on a laptop and desktop computer. The screens display charts and graphs, while papers, a pen, and office supplies sit on the desk. The image suggests healthcare data analysis, quality improvement, research, informatics, or evidence-based decision-making.\" class=\"wp-image-10422\" style=\"width:433px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/studet_L-shaped-desk_study_research.png 1200w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/studet_L-shaped-desk_study_research.png?resize=150,150 150w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/studet_L-shaped-desk_study_research.png?resize=300,300 300w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/studet_L-shaped-desk_study_research.png?resize=768,768 768w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/studet_L-shaped-desk_study_research.png?resize=1024,1024 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Strategy_5_Improve_Data_Accountability_and_Policy\"><\/span><strong>Strategy #5: Improve Data, Accountability, and Policy<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Information and data play an important role in understanding and addressing maternal health disparities. <\/strong>While <a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/learn\/Complications_during_pregnancy:_Pathology_review\">maternal mortality<\/a> rates highlight the scope of the problem, they don\u2019t always tell the full story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Information about pregnancy and birth outcomes is often incomplete, particularly when maternal or infant deaths occur. For example, an estimated <a href=\"https:\/\/sph.emory.edu\/news\/data-prevent-maternal-infant-deaths\">25 to 50% of still births<\/a> don\u2019t have a documented cause because autopsy results can take months to complete, while death certificates must be filed within days. Aside from the cause of death, key information such as patient history, demographics, and behaviors isn\u2019t collected by hospital staff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/sph.emory.edu\/news\/data-prevent-maternal-infant-deaths\">Improving data collection<\/a> helps healthcare systems, researchers, and policymakers identify trends, better understand the causes of maternal morbidity and mortality, and help them develop targeted interventions. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gao.gov\/products\/gao-23-105871\">Tracking outcomes by race and ethnicity<\/a> is particularly important<\/strong> because it can help reveal disparities that might otherwise go unnoticed and support efforts to improve health equity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For example, the Black maternal mortality rate in the US is staggering when compared to other races in the US. However, <strong>collecting data is only the first step. Meaningful change also requires accountability.<\/strong> Healthcare systems, public health agencies, and policymakers can use data to evaluate maternal health outcomes and identify gaps in care to improve quality, safety, and overall maternal outcomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Policy also plays an important role in shaping maternal health. Investments in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK568218\/\">maternal health programs,<\/a> expanded access to care, stronger data systems, and the implementation of evidence-based policies and system-level changes that address health inequities can reduce preventable pregnancy-related complications and deaths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By improving data collection, strengthening accountability, and supporting evidence-based policy change, we can better understand maternal health disparities and take action to address them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Strategy_6_Invest_in_Community-Based_and_Culturally_Competent_Care\"><\/span><strong>Strategy #6: Invest in Community-Based and Culturally Competent Care<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Improving maternal health outcomes requires more than clinical care alone. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.commonwealthfund.org\/publications\/issue-briefs\/2021\/mar\/community-models-improve-maternal-outcomes-equity\"><strong>Community-led, maternal health equity-focused programs<\/strong><\/a> are another fundamental way to support pregnant and postpartum individuals within communities of color<em> <\/em>by providing culturally specific<em> <\/em>education, advocacy, care coordination, and culturally responsive services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Culturally responsive care<\/strong> is especially important for communities that have historically experienced inequities in healthcare. Community-led programs are often uniquely positioned to provide this type of care because they understand the needs, values, and experiences of the populations they serve. By building on existing relationships and local knowledge, these programs strengthen communication, foster trust, improve access to education and resources, and connect individuals with support throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Community health workers, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/a-history-of-obstetrics-and-gynecology-from-ancient-midwifery-to-modern-medicine\">doulas<\/a>, and peer support programs<\/strong> can help bridge gaps between healthcare systems and the communities they serve by providing education, emotional support, care coordination, and assistance navigating healthcare and social services. Research supports &nbsp;community-based maternal health programs to improve outcomes while helping address barriers to care. For example, Black-led maternal health organizations are working to address persistent disparities through <a href=\"https:\/\/blackmaternalhealthcaucus-underwood.house.gov\/media\/in-the-news\/9-organizations-working-save-black-mothers\">advocacy, education, community support, and culturally responsive care<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While <strong>community-based care isn\u2019t a replacement for high-quality healthcare, it&#8217;s a critical partner<\/strong> in creating a more equitable maternal health system. By investing in trusted community organizations and culturally responsive programs, healthcare systems and policymakers can help ensure that all families have the support they need before, during, and after pregnancy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Addressing_Maternal_Health_Disparities_Bringing_It_All_Together\"><\/span><strong>Addressing Maternal Health Disparities: Bringing It All Together<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Racial disparities in maternal health mirror the combined effects of healthcare, social, economic, and structural factors. Because these disparities are driven by multiple influences, improving outcomes requires coordinated action across healthcare systems, communities, and public policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>More than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable.<\/strong> <strong>The disproportionately high rates of maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity experienced by Black women underscore the urgent need to address racism, inequitable access to care, and other social and structural barriers to health.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Improving maternal health outcomes requires coordinated action across healthcare systems, public health organizations, community leaders, and policymakers.<\/strong> Expanding access to quality maternal care, addressing bias and discrimination, strengthening the healthcare workforce, investing in community-based programs, improving data collection, and addressing the social determinants of health are all important steps toward advancing maternal health equity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By learning about the systemic factors that contribute to maternal health disparities, we can each play a role in advancing change, whether by listening to and believing patients, advocating for equitable care, supporting <a href=\"https:\/\/www.commonwealthfund.org\/publications\/issue-briefs\/2021\/mar\/community-models-improve-maternal-outcomes-equity\">community-led maternal health programs<\/a>, or pushing for policies that improve access and accountability. Together, these actions help create a healthcare system where every person has the opportunity to experience a safe pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Black_Maternal_Health_Resources_List\"><\/span><strong>Black Maternal Health Resources List<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/birthequity.org\/\">National Birth Equity Collaborative (NBEC)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sistamidwife.com\/\">Sista Midwife Productions<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blackmamasmatter.org\/\">Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.momsrising.org\/\">MomsRising<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theshadesofblueproject.org\/\">The Shades of Blue Project<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/icahn.mssm.edu\/research\/blavatnik-family-womens-health-research-institute\">The Blavatnik Family Women&#8217;s Health Research Institute<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blackmaternalhealthcaucus-underwood.house.gov\/\">Black Maternal Health Caucus<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/mamaglow.com\/\">Mama Glow<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sesedoulaservices.com\/\">S\u00e9s\u00e9 Doula Services<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Takeaways\"><\/span>K<strong>ey Takeaways<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Maternal health disparities <\/strong>are driven by interconnected social, economic, healthcare, and structural factors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Black women experience <\/strong>disproportionately high rates of pregnancy-related mortality and severe maternal complications.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Expanding access <\/strong>to quality<strong> <\/strong>prenatal and postpartum care is critical for reducing preventable maternal deaths.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Addressing bias, discrimination, and social determinants <\/strong>of health is essential for advancing maternal health equity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Community-based programs, <\/strong>workforce diversity, improved data systems, and evidence-based policy changes can help create more equitable maternal health outcomes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Resources\"><\/span>Resources<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/womens-health\/features\/maternal-mortality.html\">https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/womens-health\/features\/maternal-mortality.html<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kff.org\/racial-equity-and-health-policy\/racial-disparities-in-maternal-and-infant-health-current-status-and-key-issues\/\">https:\/\/www.kff.org\/racial-equity-and-health-policy\/racial-disparities-in-maternal-and-infant-health-current-status-and-key-issues\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/odphp.health.gov\/healthypeople\/objectives-and-data\/browse-objectives\/pregnancy-and-childbirth\/reduce-maternal-deaths-mich-04\/infographic\">https:\/\/odphp.health.gov\/healthypeople\/objectives-and-data\/browse-objectives\/pregnancy-and-childbirth\/reduce-maternal-deaths-mich-04\/infographic<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dhcs.ca.gov\/data-statistics\/prenatal-and-postpartum-care-timeliness-of-prenatal-care\/\">https:\/\/www.dhcs.ca.gov\/data-statistics\/prenatal-and-postpartum-care-timeliness-of-prenatal-care\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.commonwealthfund.org\/publications\/issue-briefs\/2024\/jun\/insights-us-maternal-mortality-crisis-international-comparisonhttps:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC11216026\/\">https:\/\/www.commonwealthfund.org\/publications\/issue-briefs\/2024\/jun\/insights-us-maternal-mortality-crisis-international-comparisonhttps:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC11216026\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/nationalpartnership.org\/report\/black-womens-maternal-health\/\">https:\/\/nationalpartnership.org\/report\/black-womens-maternal-health\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aamchealthjustice.org\/news\/polling\/trustworthy-care-conception-cradle\">https:\/\/www.aamchealthjustice.org\/news\/polling\/trustworthy-care-conception-cradle<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC8055190\/\">https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC8055190\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.commonwealthfund.org\/blog\/2023\/case-diversity-health-professions-remains-powerful\">https:\/\/www.commonwealthfund.org\/blog\/2023\/case-diversity-health-professions-remains-powerful<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/policycentermmh.org\/lay-professionals\/\">https:\/\/policycentermmh.org\/lay-professionals\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC11652773\/\">https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC11652773\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/learningpolicyinstitute.org\/product\/how-money-matters-factsheet\">https:\/\/learningpolicyinstitute.org\/product\/how-money-matters-factsheet<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rwjf.org\/en\/insights\/blog\/2024\/05\/local-solutions-can-improve-maternal-and-birthing-health.html\">https:\/\/www.rwjf.org\/en\/insights\/blog\/2024\/05\/local-solutions-can-improve-maternal-and-birthing-health.html<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC10313205\/\">https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC10313205\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/sph.emory.edu\/news\/data-prevent-maternal-infant-deaths\">https:\/\/sph.emory.edu\/news\/data-prevent-maternal-infant-deaths<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/nchs\/data\/hestat\/hestat113.htm\">https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/nchs\/data\/hestat\/hestat113.htm<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.commonwealthfund.org\/publications\/issue-briefs\/2021\/mar\/community-models-improve-maternal-outcomes-equity\">https:\/\/www.commonwealthfund.org\/publications\/issue-briefs\/2021\/mar\/community-models-improve-maternal-outcomes-equity<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gao.gov\/products\/gao-23-105871\">https:\/\/www.gao.gov\/products\/gao-23-105871<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blackmaternalhealthcaucus-underwood.house.gov\/media\/in-the-news\/9-organizations-working-save-black-mothers\">https:\/\/blackmaternalhealthcaucus-underwood.house.gov\/media\/in-the-news\/9-organizations-working-save-black-mothers<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\" src=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/02\/Blog_Display_Ads_GENERAL2_2023.png?w=700\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5441\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/02\/Blog_Display_Ads_GENERAL2_2023.png 700w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/02\/Blog_Display_Ads_GENERAL2_2023.png?resize=300,107 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Try&nbsp;Osmosis from Elsevier&nbsp;today! Get your&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/osmosis.org\/plans\">free trial<\/a>&nbsp;to find out why&nbsp;millions of clinicians and caregivers love learning by Osmosis.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Black women in the US experience significantly higher rates of pregnancy-related complications and death than other groups. Explore the factors driving these disparities and the evidence-based strategies that can help improve maternal health equity.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":175,"featured_media":10415,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[27,18,23,24,867,30,16,37,32,42],"tags":[3231,247,3233,525,3234,523,526,270,3232,3230,2504,432,3229,423,242],"class_list":["post-10414","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-medicine","category-equity-diversity-and-inclusion","category-healthcare-facts","category-imgs","category-lpn","category-np","category-do","category-pa","category-nursing","category-research","tag-black-maternal-health","tag-community-health","tag-culturally-responsive-care","tag-health-equity","tag-health-policy","tag-healthcare-access","tag-healthcare-disparities","tag-maternal-health","tag-maternal-healthcare","tag-maternal-mortality","tag-pregnancy-care","tag-public-health","tag-racial-equity","tag-social-determinants-of-health","tag-womens-health"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How to Combat Racial Disparities in Maternal Health: 6 Key Strategies - Osmosis Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Explore the causes of Black maternal health disparities and six evidence-based strategies to improve maternal health equity.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-combat-racial-disparities-in-maternal-health-6-key-strategies\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to Combat Racial Disparities in Maternal Health: 6 Key Strategies - Osmosis Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Explore the causes of Black maternal health disparities and six evidence-based strategies to improve maternal health equity.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-combat-racial-disparities-in-maternal-health-6-key-strategies\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Osmosis Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-06-23T22:36:55+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-06-24T00:44:55+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/How_to_Combat_Racial_Disparities_in_Maternal_Health_6_Key_Strategies.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1080\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1080\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Jennice Lavergne, MD\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":[\"Article\",\"BlogPosting\"],\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-combat-racial-disparities-in-maternal-health-6-key-strategies#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-combat-racial-disparities-in-maternal-health-6-key-strategies\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Jennice Lavergne, MD\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/fcc4b4c4477d8acd0d2d608c00a5f379\"},\"headline\":\"How to Combat Racial Disparities in Maternal Health: 6 Key Strategies\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-06-23T22:36:55+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-06-24T00:44:55+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-combat-racial-disparities-in-maternal-health-6-key-strategies\"},\"wordCount\":3196,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-combat-racial-disparities-in-maternal-health-6-key-strategies#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/How_to_Combat_Racial_Disparities_in_Maternal_Health_6_Key_Strategies.png\",\"keywords\":[\"Black maternal health\",\"community health\",\"culturally responsive care\",\"health equity\",\"health policy\",\"healthcare access\",\"healthcare disparities\",\"maternal health\",\"maternal healthcare\",\"maternal mortality\",\"pregnancy care\",\"public health\",\"racial equity\",\"social determinants of health\",\"women's health\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Allopathic Medicine (MD)\",\"Equity, Diversity, Inclusion &amp; Belonging\",\"Healthcare Facts\",\"International Medical Graduates (IMG)\",\"LPN (Licensed Practical Nursing)\",\"Nurse Practitioner (NP)\",\"Osteopathic Medicine (DO)\",\"Physician Assistants\/Associates (PA)\",\"Registered Nursing (RN)\",\"Research\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-combat-racial-disparities-in-maternal-health-6-key-strategies#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-combat-racial-disparities-in-maternal-health-6-key-strategies\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-combat-racial-disparities-in-maternal-health-6-key-strategies\",\"name\":\"How to Combat Racial Disparities in Maternal Health: 6 Key Strategies - Osmosis Blog\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-combat-racial-disparities-in-maternal-health-6-key-strategies#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-combat-racial-disparities-in-maternal-health-6-key-strategies#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/How_to_Combat_Racial_Disparities_in_Maternal_Health_6_Key_Strategies.png\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-06-23T22:36:55+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-06-24T00:44:55+00:00\",\"description\":\"Explore the causes of Black maternal health disparities and six evidence-based strategies to improve maternal health equity.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-combat-racial-disparities-in-maternal-health-6-key-strategies#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-combat-racial-disparities-in-maternal-health-6-key-strategies\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-combat-racial-disparities-in-maternal-health-6-key-strategies#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/How_to_Combat_Racial_Disparities_in_Maternal_Health_6_Key_Strategies.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/How_to_Combat_Racial_Disparities_in_Maternal_Health_6_Key_Strategies.png\",\"width\":1080,\"height\":1080,\"caption\":\"How to Combat Racial Disparities in Maternal Health: 6 Key Strategies\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-combat-racial-disparities-in-maternal-health-6-key-strategies#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"How to Combat Racial Disparities in Maternal Health: 6 Key Strategies\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/\",\"name\":\"Osmosis Blog\",\"description\":\"\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Osmosis Blog\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/07\/OsmosisElsevierStacked.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/07\/OsmosisElsevierStacked.png\",\"width\":1276,\"height\":596,\"caption\":\"Osmosis Blog\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"}},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/fcc4b4c4477d8acd0d2d608c00a5f379\",\"name\":\"Jennice Lavergne, MD\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/05ec27b487bd194327e00cc5c3a428598ee01cf7a6dcb7e2ae7a03ad3630a403?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/05ec27b487bd194327e00cc5c3a428598ee01cf7a6dcb7e2ae7a03ad3630a403?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Jennice Lavergne, MD\"},\"description\":\"Author: Jennice Lavergne, MD, is doctor and a writer who's passionate about reducing mental health stigma and improving access to mental health resources through culturally competent patient care, writing, digital health, and research. In her free time she loves dancing, reading, and making beautiful memories with her loved ones.\",\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/jennicelavergne\/\"],\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/author\/jennicelavergne\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"How to Combat Racial Disparities in Maternal Health: 6 Key Strategies - Osmosis Blog","description":"Explore the causes of Black maternal health disparities and six evidence-based strategies to improve maternal health equity.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-combat-racial-disparities-in-maternal-health-6-key-strategies","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"How to Combat Racial Disparities in Maternal Health: 6 Key Strategies - Osmosis Blog","og_description":"Explore the causes of Black maternal health disparities and six evidence-based strategies to improve maternal health equity.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-combat-racial-disparities-in-maternal-health-6-key-strategies","og_site_name":"Osmosis Blog","article_published_time":"2026-06-23T22:36:55+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-06-24T00:44:55+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1080,"height":1080,"url":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/How_to_Combat_Racial_Disparities_in_Maternal_Health_6_Key_Strategies.png","type":"image\/png"}],"author":"Jennice Lavergne, MD","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":["Article","BlogPosting"],"@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-combat-racial-disparities-in-maternal-health-6-key-strategies#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-combat-racial-disparities-in-maternal-health-6-key-strategies"},"author":{"name":"Jennice Lavergne, MD","@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/fcc4b4c4477d8acd0d2d608c00a5f379"},"headline":"How to Combat Racial Disparities in Maternal Health: 6 Key Strategies","datePublished":"2026-06-23T22:36:55+00:00","dateModified":"2026-06-24T00:44:55+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-combat-racial-disparities-in-maternal-health-6-key-strategies"},"wordCount":3196,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-combat-racial-disparities-in-maternal-health-6-key-strategies#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/How_to_Combat_Racial_Disparities_in_Maternal_Health_6_Key_Strategies.png","keywords":["Black maternal health","community health","culturally responsive care","health equity","health policy","healthcare access","healthcare disparities","maternal health","maternal healthcare","maternal mortality","pregnancy care","public health","racial equity","social determinants of health","women's health"],"articleSection":["Allopathic Medicine (MD)","Equity, Diversity, Inclusion &amp; Belonging","Healthcare Facts","International Medical Graduates (IMG)","LPN (Licensed Practical Nursing)","Nurse Practitioner (NP)","Osteopathic Medicine (DO)","Physician Assistants\/Associates (PA)","Registered Nursing (RN)","Research"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-combat-racial-disparities-in-maternal-health-6-key-strategies#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-combat-racial-disparities-in-maternal-health-6-key-strategies","url":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-combat-racial-disparities-in-maternal-health-6-key-strategies","name":"How to Combat Racial Disparities in Maternal Health: 6 Key Strategies - Osmosis Blog","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-combat-racial-disparities-in-maternal-health-6-key-strategies#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-combat-racial-disparities-in-maternal-health-6-key-strategies#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/How_to_Combat_Racial_Disparities_in_Maternal_Health_6_Key_Strategies.png","datePublished":"2026-06-23T22:36:55+00:00","dateModified":"2026-06-24T00:44:55+00:00","description":"Explore the causes of Black maternal health disparities and six evidence-based strategies to improve maternal health equity.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-combat-racial-disparities-in-maternal-health-6-key-strategies#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-combat-racial-disparities-in-maternal-health-6-key-strategies"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-combat-racial-disparities-in-maternal-health-6-key-strategies#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/How_to_Combat_Racial_Disparities_in_Maternal_Health_6_Key_Strategies.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/How_to_Combat_Racial_Disparities_in_Maternal_Health_6_Key_Strategies.png","width":1080,"height":1080,"caption":"How to Combat Racial Disparities in Maternal Health: 6 Key Strategies"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-combat-racial-disparities-in-maternal-health-6-key-strategies#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"How to Combat Racial Disparities in Maternal Health: 6 Key Strategies"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/","name":"Osmosis Blog","description":"","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#organization","name":"Osmosis Blog","url":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/07\/OsmosisElsevierStacked.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/07\/OsmosisElsevierStacked.png","width":1276,"height":596,"caption":"Osmosis Blog"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"}},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/fcc4b4c4477d8acd0d2d608c00a5f379","name":"Jennice Lavergne, MD","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/05ec27b487bd194327e00cc5c3a428598ee01cf7a6dcb7e2ae7a03ad3630a403?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/05ec27b487bd194327e00cc5c3a428598ee01cf7a6dcb7e2ae7a03ad3630a403?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Jennice Lavergne, MD"},"description":"Author: Jennice Lavergne, MD, is doctor and a writer who's passionate about reducing mental health stigma and improving access to mental health resources through culturally competent patient care, writing, digital health, and research. In her free time she loves dancing, reading, and making beautiful memories with her loved ones.","sameAs":["https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/jennicelavergne\/"],"url":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/author\/jennicelavergne"}]}},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/How_to_Combat_Racial_Disparities_in_Maternal_Health_6_Key_Strategies.png","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":1347,"url":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/black-health-inequity-a-cry-for-equity-and-justice-for-all","url_meta":{"origin":10414,"position":0},"title":"Black Health Inequity: A Cry for Equity and Justice for All","author":"Itunu Johnson-Sogbetun, MBBS","date":"November 17, 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"In a guest blog post, Dr. Itunu Johnson-Sogbetun addresses the everyday reality of health inequity for Black communities worldwide, as well as her pioneering work in creating HEAL, Health Equity and Advocacy Learning courses, developed to confront health disparities head-on and guide us to equitable access to healthcare for all.\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Allopathic Medicine (MD)&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Allopathic Medicine (MD)","link":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/category\/medicine"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/black-health-inequity.webp","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/black-health-inequity.webp 1x, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/black-health-inequity.webp 1.5x, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/black-health-inequity.webp 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":7355,"url":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/a-history-of-obstetrics-and-gynecology-from-ancient-midwifery-to-modern-medicine","url_meta":{"origin":10414,"position":1},"title":"A History of Obstetrics and Gynecology: From Ancient Midwifery to Modern Medicine","author":"Lynda Malcolm, MD, JD","date":"July 15, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Read about the history of obstetrics and gynecology and how OBGYN evolved from traditional midwifery to a high-tech specialty shaped by pioneering figures and cultural shifts.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Allopathic Medicine (MD)&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Allopathic Medicine (MD)","link":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/category\/medicine"},"img":{"alt_text":"A History of Obstetrics and Gynecology","src":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/07\/A_History_of_Obstetrics_and_Gynecology.png","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/07\/A_History_of_Obstetrics_and_Gynecology.png 1x, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/07\/A_History_of_Obstetrics_and_Gynecology.png 1.5x, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/07\/A_History_of_Obstetrics_and_Gynecology.png 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":4217,"url":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/five-women-who-are-paving-the-way-in-medicine","url_meta":{"origin":10414,"position":2},"title":"Five Women Who Are Paving the Way in Medicine","author":"Alicia Betz, MAEd","date":"September 6, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Women have long been trailblazers in medicine and healthcare, paving the way for other women to become impactful clinicians while changing the face of medicine. With\u00a0women comprising over 50% of medical students,\u00a0they're represented in medicine like never before. This year, we\u2019re celebrating five amazing women who continue to address the\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Health &amp; Wellness&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Health &amp; Wellness","link":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/category\/health-and-wellness"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/paving-the-way-in-medicine.webp","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/paving-the-way-in-medicine.webp 1x, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/paving-the-way-in-medicine.webp 1.5x, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/paving-the-way-in-medicine.webp 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":899,"url":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/be-prepared-for-the-future-of-nursing-social-determinants-of-health-and-health-equity","url_meta":{"origin":10414,"position":3},"title":"Be Prepared for the Future of Nursing: Social Determinants of Health and Health Equity","author":"Sharon Goldfarb DNP, RN, FNP-BC","date":"October 11, 2021","format":false,"excerpt":"Explore how nurses are essential in tackling social determinants of health and promoting health equity through clinical care, community engagement, and policy advocacy.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Equity, Diversity, Inclusion &amp; Belonging&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Equity, Diversity, Inclusion &amp; Belonging","link":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/category\/equity-diversity-and-inclusion"},"img":{"alt_text":"Be Prepared for the Future of Nursing: Social Determinants of Health and Health Equity","src":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/social-determinants-of-health-and-health-equity.webp","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/social-determinants-of-health-and-health-equity.webp 1x, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/social-determinants-of-health-and-health-equity.webp 1.5x, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/social-determinants-of-health-and-health-equity.webp 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":10221,"url":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/a-hidden-history-of-medicine-unethical-experiments-on-black-communities","url_meta":{"origin":10414,"position":4},"title":"A Hidden History of Medicine: Unethical Experiments on Black Communities","author":"Jennice Lavergne, MD","date":"May 26, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Medicine\u2019s history isn't just a story of discovery and innovation. Many major medical advances were shaped by racism, exploitation, and unethical experimentation on Black communities. Understanding this history and its lasting impact is essential to building a more ethical, equitable, and trustworthy healthcare system today.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Allopathic Medicine (MD)&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Allopathic Medicine (MD)","link":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/category\/medicine"},"img":{"alt_text":"A Hidden History of Medicine: Unethical Experiments on Black Communities","src":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/A-Hidden-History-of-Medicine-Unethical-Experiments-on-Black-Communities.jpg","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/A-Hidden-History-of-Medicine-Unethical-Experiments-on-Black-Communities.jpg 1x, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/A-Hidden-History-of-Medicine-Unethical-Experiments-on-Black-Communities.jpg 1.5x, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/A-Hidden-History-of-Medicine-Unethical-Experiments-on-Black-Communities.jpg 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1413,"url":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/what-are-the-social-determinants-of-health-and-why-are-they-important","url_meta":{"origin":10414,"position":5},"title":"What Are the Social Determinants of Health and Why Are They Important?","author":"Steph Stevens","date":"October 12, 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"Discover how social, economic, and environmental factors influence health beyond genetics, shaping disparities and opportunities in healthcare access.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Allopathic Medicine (MD)&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Allopathic Medicine (MD)","link":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/category\/medicine"},"img":{"alt_text":"What Are the Social Determinants of Health and Why Are They Important?","src":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/47.webp","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/47.webp 1x, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/47.webp 1.5x, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/47.webp 2x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10414","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/175"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10414"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10414\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10430,"href":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10414\/revisions\/10430"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10415"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10414"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10414"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10414"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}