CENTERING BLACK MOTHERS IN CALIFORNIA
A HISTORIC REPORT
MCAH collaborated with UCSF and community partners to develop this report as part of California’s commitment to reducing racial inequities.
On behalf of BLACK Wellness & Prosperity Center, Shantay R. Davies-Balch would like to personally thank her sisters and the partner organizations who tirelessly committed their time, experiences, and expertise to inform this report.
Special thanks to Black Women for Wellness who played a central role in convening the Advisory Group and advocating on our behalf. Thanks Jan & Kim!
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Family, Maternal, and Child Health Programs Contra Costa Health, Public Health Division
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Los Angeles County African American Infant and Maternal Mortality Initiative
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Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, MAMAs Neighborhood
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Mashariki Kudumu, MPH Public Health Professional and Community Advocate
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Maternal, Child and Family Health Services County of San Diego
KEY FINDINGS:
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Black birthing people in California are three to four times more likely to die of pregnancy-related causes than other racial and ethnic groups.
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The rate of life-threatening childbirth complications is highest among Black women.
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The preterm birth rate among Black infants did not improve between 2011 and 2019.
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Black infants are twice as likely as other infants to die before their first birthday.
