We are losing too many Black mothers and babies. These are not just numbers — they are daughters, sisters, aunties, friends. Every preventable loss leaves a hole in a family, a neighborhood, a generation. Paying attention isn’t optional. It’s urgent.

• Black women in the U.S. are nearly 3 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women.
   
• Black infants are more than twice as likely to die in their first year of life compared to white infants.
   
• These disparities persist regardless of income or education. Even Black women with advanced degrees face higher risks than white women with less education.
   

• Maternal mortality: Black women, ~69.9 deaths per 100,000 births, vs. 26.6 for white women.
   
• Infant mortality: Black babies, ~10.6 deaths per 1,000 births, vs. 4.5 for white babies.
   

This is not about biology. This is about systemic racism, bias in healthcare, and lack of access to respectful, culturally safe care. Black women’s pain is ignored. Our concerns are dismissed. Our traditions and voices are left out of the room.

• Listen to Black mothers. Believe us the first time we speak.
   
• Invest in Black doulas and midwives. Evidence shows culturally rooted support saves lives.
   
• Expand access. Affordable prenatal, birth, and postpartum care must reach everyone.
   
• Hold systems accountable. Hospitals, clinics, and providers must confront bias and redesign care with equity at the center.
   

Black mothers deserve to live. Black babies deserve to thrive. Black families deserve joy without fear. To pay attention to this crisis is to honor every life cut short and to fight for those yet to come.