Local groups taking action to highlight statistics of black women's maternal mortality

TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — On April 11, a local collaborative of health-focused agencies are taking action to highlight the staggering statistics of black women’s maternal mortality.

In Oklahoma, the black maternal mortality rate is higher than that of the nation and for every maternal mortality case, there are another 70 cases of severe or life-threatening complications.

To raise awareness on this issue, the groups will host a screening at Circle Cinema of two short documentaries that showcase this devastating reality, Death by Delivery and Kira’s Story, occurring on April 11 to coincide with national Black Maternal Health Week.

“The driving force behind this effort is the fact that black women’s maternal mortality has remained higher than white women’s risk for the past six decades,” said Maurianna Adams, Education & Outreach Director for Take Control Initiative. “We want to make it known that this is an issue happening right here in our own community.”

According to the Oklahoma State Department of Health, black women are also more likely than white women to experience complications that are pregnancy and/or birth-related.

Despite advances in medical technology and increased spending on health care, maternal mortality has increased for all women in the U.S. Approximately 700 women die each year during pregnancy or delivery-related complications.

Following the films, local professionals and activists will take to the stage where a panel discussion and public conversation will ensue around this issue.

The films will be showing atCircle Cinema, Thursday, April 11 at 1:30-4 p.m.

To learn more, click here.