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This week marks an important observance in the health community: Black Maternal Health Week (#BMHW26). As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of this vital initiative, we reflect on a decade of advocacy, challenges, and progress under this year’s theme: “Rooted in Justice & Joy.”
At The Harris Poll, our 2025 State of Maternal Health Report provides critical insights into the experiences of Black mothers, underscoring both the strides made and the urgent work that remains.
A Decade of Movement, A Call for Change
Our findings reveal a consistent theme: the battle for equitable healthcare remains steep. Alarmingly, nearly three-quarters of Black women (73%, up from 62% in 2024) report that women like them have to fight to receive the medical care they need, compared to just 56% of White women. This is more than a statistic; it is a clear indication that our healthcare system must be more inclusive and responsive to the needs of Black mothers.
The Personal is Universal
Interactions at medical offices often lack personalization and empathy, with 43% of Black women feeling like just another number at their OBGYN/midwife’s office. This depersonalization can lead to alienation and a reluctance to seek care, further exacerbating health disparities.
Facing Barriers and Biases
Access to care is fraught with obstacles: 40% of Black women who are currently or have been pregnant report barriers in accessing maternal care. More starkly, Black women who are/have been pregnant are three times as likely as their white counterparts to encounter discrimination based on race, ethnicity, or immigration status during pregnancy and childbirth (12% vs. 4%). It’s not just about accessing healthcare, but also about reforming how care is delivered—grounded in dignity and devoid of bias.
Beyond Birth: Postpartum Care Is Grossly Inadequate
Postpartum care, or the lack thereof, remains a pressing concern, with 79% of Black women feel there’s not enough focus on health care for mothers after pregnancy/birth. Mental health struggles are particularly prevalent, yet support is insufficient—59% of Black women who’ve been pregnant experienced mental health issues postpartum, with nearly half of them (48%) receiving subpar or no support. This is a clear call to prioritize comprehensive postpartum support, encompassing both physical and mental health care.
Empowered by Knowledge and Experience
Preparation and knowledge can empower and equip mothers for better health outcomes. Yet, 61% of Black women who’ve been pregnant felt underprepared for their first pregnancy compared to later ones. Furthermore, 58% reflected that had they possessed the knowledge they have now, their choices during their first pregnancy, labor, and delivery would have been different. These insights do not just highlight gaps in information but also the potential of empowerment and change through education and community support.
Looking Ahead: A Journey Towards Joy and Justice
As we celebrate the progress made over the last decade, we also recognize the work ahead. This Black Maternal Health Week, let us renew our commitment to cultivating a healthcare environment rooted in justice and joy. It is crucial to continue pushing for policies that not only address the immediate health disparities but also strengthen community empowerment, ensuring that Black mothers receive care that is not just adequate but joyful and just.
Methodology
This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll April 23-28, 2025 among 4,170 U.S. adults ages 18 and older, among whom 2,370 are women, of which 1,597 are/have been pregnant and 1,583 have given birth. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within +/- 2.5 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. This credible interval will be wider among subsets of the surveyed population of interest. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact us.
