Black maternal health and abortion justice are deeply interconnected, both rooted in the pursuit of bodily autonomy, equitable healthcare, and the right to parent—or not—in safe and supportive environments. Black women and birthing people in the United States face a maternal health crisis that is exacerbated by systemic racism, restrictions on abortion access, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure.
The U.S. has the highest maternal mortality rate among high-income countries, with Black women experiencing rates 3 to 4 times higher than those of white women.
State-level abortion bans and restrictions disproportionately harm Black communities by limiting access to essential reproductive care and driving higher maternal and infant mortality rates, especially in states with significant Black populations. Ensuring access to abortion and comprehensive maternal healthcare is essential to closing these racial disparities and improving outcomes for Black women and birthing people.
