Advocates Highlight the Intersection of Racism and Sexism in Maternal Health Care

October 26, 2025 - 23:33

Maternal health care advocates are sounding the alarm over potential cuts to Medicaid, warning that such measures could exacerbate the already dire maternal mortality crisis in the United States, particularly among Black women. Dr. Joia Crear-Perry, a prominent figure in maternal health advocacy, emphasized that these issues stem from "structural racism [and] sexism."

Actress and maternal health advocate Tatyana Ali echoed these sentiments, sharing her own traumatic experiences with race-based violence during childbirth. Ali articulated the broader implications of her story, stating, “I always say that my story is one drop in a bucket that has been overflowing for a very long time, for generations.”

She highlighted the historical context that contributes to the lack of attention given to these issues, noting the growing number of "maternal deserts" across the country where access to quality care is severely limited. Both advocates stress the urgent need for systemic change to ensure equitable health care for all mothers.