Racial Differences in Pregnancy-Related Morbidity and Mortality

Abstract

Racism in the United States has deep roots that affect maternal health, particularly through pervasive inequalities among black women compared with white. Anesthesiologists are optimally positioned to maintain vigilance for these disparities in maternal care, and to intervene with their unique acute critical care skills and knowledge. As leaders in patient safety, anesthesiologists should drive hospitals and practices to develop and implement national bundles for patient safety, as well as using team-based training practices designed to improve hospitals that care for racially diverse mothers.

Keywords: Maternal mortality; Obstetric anesthesia; Obstetrics; Racial disparities; Severe maternal morbidity.