Data Shows Black Women In Texas At More Risk To Die From Childbirth Or Pregnancy

Data from the American Medical Association has revealed some troubling data in the state of Texas regarding black women passing away due to childbirth or pregnancy. Here's what is known at the time of writing.

The 2023 Report From The American Medical Association's Findings

With help from KVUE, the findings by the AMA were described like this. Black females in Texas are three times more likely to die due to to complications from childbirth or pregnancy. Maternal mortality ratios, otherwise known at MMRs, became higher after data collection began in 1999.

This has many individual worried in Texas, and some have begun to speak out, letting black female know that they have every right to say when they hurt. Public Health Program Coordinator for the Maternal Infant Outreach Program at Austin Public Health, Cynthia Washington, stated the following to KVUE:

"A lot of women of color, period, don't know that they have a right. They don't know that they have a right to tell the doctor, 'Hey, I'm hurting."

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In addition, Washington said some of the factors involved in the rising of MMRs is access to services, birth spacing, later prenatal care, and racism.

State Representative From Houston Reveals Her Struggle With Giving Birth

Shawn Thierry, from Houston revealed to KVUE the complications she had while giving birth to her daughter. She told the news organization:

"I couldn't breathe, and I was just in excruciating pain. I started, you know, letting the doctors and nurses know. It took a while before they believed me." Following a high spinal epidural, she recalled her fear that she would pass away:

"They kept saying, 'No, no, no, you're fine. I promise you," she responded to doctors 'No, listen to me. I promise you, I don't think I'm going to make it.' I was trying to use mind over matter."

Thierry gave birth to her daughter 11 years ago, and now she is attempting to change laws in the state, specifically for pregnant women in the state.

Cynthia Washington stated that change begins with everyone

"One thing that we can do is educate on and have health literacy so that people can know. And so, that's one thing that we teach," further stating, "We're all community health workers."