Advocating for Environmental Equity and Black Maternal Health

Climate change poses an existential threat to our planet, bringing devastating wildfires, rising sea levels, and unhealthy air quality. At the Environmental Justice League (EJL), our top priority is to raise awareness of these environmental impacts on diverse communities and ensure that historic injustices borne by people of color are not repeated. However, achieving true environmental equity requires a multi-disciplinary network that includes addressing deep-rooted disparities in healthcare and socio-economics. One of the most urgent crises at this intersection is Black maternal health.

Despite being an advanced, wealthy nation, the United States has the highest rate of maternal deaths among high-income countries. This devastating reality disproportionately affects Black mothers, who face a 30 to 40% higher maternal mortality rate across all education and socioeconomic statuses. This disparity is heavily driven by systemic bias within the healthcare system. When Black women report alarming conditions—such as severe pain, headaches, or high blood pressure—they are frequently met with less concern than their peers, leading to dangerously delayed interventions. Furthermore, a concerning 30% of maternal mortality occurs in the critical period after birth, a time when mothers often fall off a cliff of care and lack robust support. 

To build a more sustainable and equitable future, we must support solutions that bridge environmental policy and healthcare reform. Advocating for race-concordant and culturally competent care is an essential step, as having a healthcare provider who understands a patient’s background improves communication, trust, and overall health outcomes.

The EJL is committed to driving practical, sustainable policies through advocacy and coalition building to protect both our environment and our most vulnerable populations. By treating Black maternal health as a vital component of environmental justice, we can fight systemic bias and protect the lives of mothers and families in our communities.