For Black women in America, pregnancy should be a time of care and anticipation, but it ends in tragedy far too often. Despite advancements in medical care, Black women continue to face higher risks during pregnancy and childbirth. Black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women, and their infants face higher rates of preterm birth and infant mortality.
At Schlachman, Belsky, Weiner & Davey, P.A., our attorneys are committed to advocating for Black mothers and their families. We provide strong legal advocacy for medical malpractice, wrongful death, and defective medical device claims. Our attorneys fight to hold negligent parties accountable and ensure that your rights and your life are respected.
Racial Disparities in Pregnancy and Childbirth
Black women are facing a harsh reality when they enter pregnancy and childbirth including racial disparities, unequal treatment, and gaps in healthcare that put countless lives at risk. This is a crisis that demands attention, action, and accountability.
Understanding these risks is the first step toward protecting families and ensuring that every mother and child receives the care and justice they deserve.
Shocking Black Maternal Mortality and Infant Mortality Statistics and Trends
- 50 deaths per 100,000: Black women died from pregnancy-related complications in 2023, over 3x higher than White women (14 per 100,000).
- 3x higher risk: Between 2017–2019, Black women were nearly three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than White women.
- Rising state-level disparities: Median maternal death rates for Black women have increased from 27 to 55 per 100,000 live births over the last 20 years.
- 80% preventable: About four out of five pregnancy-related deaths could have been avoided, yet Black women remain the most affected.
These numbers represent lives lost, families devastated, and communities in pain.
Understanding the scale of this crisis is crucial because every Black mother deserves care, respect, and the protection of her life and her baby’s.
Root Causes of Black Maternal Mortality: Systemic Racism and Healthcare Inequities
The maternal mortality crisis among Black mothers is not simply a medical issue. It’s a reflection of deeply rooted inequities in our healthcare system. Black women are still three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than any other racial and ethnic group.
These inequities show up in multiple ways, creating dangerous gaps in care for Black mothers:
- Dismissed pain and symptoms: Many Black women report that their pain is not taken seriously or that their symptoms are minimized by medical professionals.
- Implicit racial bias: Unconscious bias can lead to delayed diagnoses and inadequate treatment during critical moments in labor or recovery.
- Limited access to quality care: Black families are more likely to live in areas with underfunded hospitals, fewer maternity specialists, and inadequate prenatal care options.
- Insurance and financial barriers: Gaps in insurance coverage and unequal access to affordable healthcare make it harder for mothers to receive consistent, quality care.
But change is happening. Across the country, Black doulas, midwives, and organizations like the Black Mamas Matter Alliance are building networks of support, advocacy, and empowerment. Their work is helping mothers receive the respect, care, and safety they deserve throughout pregnancy and childbirth, and pushing for a system that finally listens.
What You Need to Know if Your Family Has Been Affected by Pregnancy Complications
If your family has suffered because of pregnancy complications, medical neglect, or loss, it’s important to know that you are not alone. Far too often, Black mothers and their families are left with unanswered questions after a preventable tragedy.
These missteps can include anything from a medical professional failing to monitor vital signs, delayed emergency care, or medical decisions clouded by bias. These mistakes can be grounds for legal action. Seeking justice isn’t just about compensation; it’s about accountability and ensuring that hospitals, doctors, and institutions are held responsible for the harm they cause.
Medical Negligence and Mistakes in Black Maternal Health: Recognizing Preventable Harm
In many cases, pregnancy complications are the result of preventable medical errors. Missed warning signs like high blood pressure, infections, or fetal distress can quickly turn life-threatening when doctors or nurses fail to act in time.
When Defective Medical Devices Cause Pregnancy and Childbirth Complications
Sometimes, complications during pregnancy or childbirth are caused not by human error but by defective medical devices, like faulty fetal monitors, surgical tools, or implants that malfunction during delivery.
In these cases, families may have grounds for a product liability claim, which holds manufacturers and distributors responsible for unsafe medical products. Taking legal action can not only provide justice for your family but also help prevent others from being harmed in the same way.
Legal Rights and Medical Malpractice Claims for Black Mothers
If your family has suffered due to medical negligence or loss, you have the right to take legal action. Medical malpractice claims may apply when doctors, nurses, or hospitals fail to meet the standard of care during pregnancy or childbirth. Maryland has a filing deadline of five years from the date of the injury or three years from when the injury was discovered, whichever comes first.
Wrongful death claims can be filed if a preventable mistake leads to the death of a mother or child. These claims not only provide compensation for emotional and financial loss, but they also demand accountability from the healthcare system. In Maryland, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim caused by medical malpractice is generally three years from the date of the injured person's death.
How Schlachman, Belsky, Weiner & Davey, P.A. Advocates for Justice
At Schlachman, Belsky, Weiner & Davey, P.A., we stand beside families who have experienced unimaginable loss or trauma due to medical negligence, bias, or defective medical products. Our attorneys understand that these cases are brought to seek justice, accountability, and compensation for the loss of your loved one. We approach every case with compassion and determination, working to uncover the truth, demand responsibility, and help your family move toward healing.
Advocating for Change: Ending Racial Disparities in Maternal Healthcare
Across the country, more advocates, doulas, and organizations are working to dismantle racial inequities in maternal healthcare and ensure that every Black mother receives the care and respect she deserves. By standing up for your rights, you’re not only protecting your family, you’re helping to shape a safer future for others.
At Schlachman, Belsky, Weiner & Davey, P.A., we are here to fight beside you. If you or your loved one has been affected by pregnancy complications, medical negligence, or wrongful death, contact our attorneys today for experienced legal guidance and compassionate support.
