Indiana ranks high in maternal mortality rates, with Black women at greater risk

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Indiana ranks third-highest in U.S. maternal mortality rates with Black women having a 93% higher mortality rate than white women, according to the Indiana Department of Health.

TaKiesha Smith, a certified birth doula, said, “It’s the worst because of the lack of access. There are lots of places in the state where people just can’t get to or get help. The thing that really is upsetting with maternal health is that 80% of the things that causes maternal death is preventable.”

Smith believes change can happen if more people in the health care industry listen and take Black women’s health concerns more seriously, provide access to more areas in the state.

“We can’t get them to the right kind of doctors, and that’s why we have a crisis here in Indiana. We’ve got 43 counties that don’t even have a maternal care center anymore.”

She says it’s also important for Black women to advocate for themselves and find support. Smith thinks its important for women to consider getting a professional doula who will advocate for them, listen to their needs, and know the signs of preeclampsia. “If you get a headache that won’t go away with Tylenol or Advil and it’s a headache that’s persistent, swelling in both legs, and a pain that’s new and persistent.”

Smith says preeclampsia is the leading cause of Black maternal death.

As she sees it, the more Black women get the access to maternal education and the right resources, the number of Black maternal deaths will go down.

“The day you have your baby shouldn’t be the say you advocate for your life. Only 3% of providers look like us, so not everyone is going to have a Black or brown provider, but making sure they are with a provider that cares about them, listens to them, respects them and that they understand their rights.”