Maternal health outcomes in the United States have reached crisis levels compared with the rest of the world, and they’re getting worse. Preterm birth rates have increased in the U.S. for the past 5 years, and the number of birthing people who experience Severe Maternal Morbidity (SMM) has also continued to grow. These poor outcomes, however, impact some more than others. Black birthing people experience preterm birth rates that are 49% higher than for all other birthing people, and they are 3 to 4 times more likely to die from childbirth than White birthing people.
As Medicaid covers nearly half of all births in the U.S., and 65% of Black births, Medicaid agencies are uniquely positioned to make an impact on improving this public health crisis. At UnitedHealthcare Community & State, we are committed to working to address these stark and persistent racial inequities in maternal and infant health outcomes. The factors contributing to these inequities are complex and rooted in both historical and present-day systems of racism and discrimination. We recognize that we can’t solve these complex factors alone or with just one program. Instead, we are working with our state, provider and community partners to deploy a multi-faceted approach aimed to: (1) empower birthing people; (2) evolve the care system; and (3) engage communities — all with an enhanced focus on supporting birthing people of color. (author introduction)
#P4HEwebinarMay2022