ATLANTA – February 28, 2022 –Today, the Black Women’s Health Imperative (BWHI) and the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) announced the release of BWHI’s qualitative research study, “Exploring the Experiences of Black Mothers and Labor and Delivery Nurses in Hospital Settings,” which evaluates patients’ and nurses’ experiences of racism and disrespectful care during birth experiences.
Both Black and White nurses in the study reported observing implicit bias toward Black nurses and patients. They also reported that hospital staff burnout and inadequate communication between clinical teams made it challenging to provide respectful patient care.
“This study revealed that we have much more work to do beyond implicit bias training to provide quality care for Black birthing families,” said Dr. Kanika Harris, Director of Maternal and Child Health at BWHI.
In collaboration with BWHI, Premier, Inc., and the National Birth Equity Collaborative, AWHONN will use the study’s findings to inform a multiyear project to implement its POST-BIRTH Warning Signs Program and reduce maternal mortality.
“Hearing from Black women and nurses firsthand reinforced how critical it is that we resolve the maternal health crisis,” said Linda Goler Blount, President and CEO of the BWHI. “By collaborating with organizations like AWHONN, we will eliminate the disparities in maternal outcomes that affect Black women of all ages, socioeconomic statuses, and education levels.”
“Across the country, 700 women die each year due to pregnancy complications and Black women face a maternal mortality rate three to four times higher than White women,” said AWHONN President Sandy Cesario, PhD, MS, RNC, FAAN. ”By working with the BWHI to better understand how racism contributes to this tragedy, we are working to improve outcomes for this generation and those that follow.”
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About the Black Women’s Health Imperative: The Black Women’s Health Imperative is the first and only national non-profit organization created for and by Black women dedicated to improving the health and wellness of our nation’s 22 million Black women and girls — physically, emotionally, and financially. Our core mission is advancing health equity and social justice for Black women, across the lifespan, through policy, advocacy, education, research, and leadership development.
About the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses: The Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit membership organization. Our mission is to empower and support nurses caring for women, newborns, and their families through research, education, and advocacy.
This project is supported by funding from Merck, through Merck for Mothers, the company’s global initiative to help create a world where no woman has to die giving life. Merck for Mothers is known as MSD for Mothers outside the United States and Canada.
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