The United States has the highest rates of maternal and infant mortality compared with other developed
nations. Read the below article from the New York Times Magazine. It describes health disparities around
maternal and infant mortality in black women- a group that suffers from high rates of poor pregnancy and birth
outcomes.
Discuss the causes of maternal and infant health disparities in black women in America. Compare rates of
maternal and infant mortality data for your community broken down by race and ethnicity. What are the goals
the nation has set to address this disparity and what are we doing to address it (see Healthy People)? Discuss
the role of institutional racism as an underlying contributor to poor health outcomes for black women and
infants.
How can health policy be used to decrease these health disparities? Identify current policies and other ideas
you may have that be helpful.