The Crisis

The crisis

Black mothers and their babies in Dane County face staggering risks to their lives and futures from the impact of racism and inequities embedded in our institutions, communities, and health care system.

Wisconsin has consistently ranked among states with the highest rate of Black infant mortality, previously 1st in the nation, and the maternal mortality rate is presently three times higher for Black women than white women.

These gaps in birth outcomes occur alongside a troubling track record of stubborn health disparities. African American residents comprise roughly 5% of the population, but are overrepresented in all major categories of disease and illness. Black women and men are more likely than their peers to live with and die from treatable and preventable illnesses, and at younger ages.

WE ARE IN A STATE OF EMERGENCY.

impact on black mothers

Black mothers and families in Dane County are hopeful and resilient, but too many of them — of all education and income levels — live in a state of chronic and toxic stress that poses serious consequences to their health. We must invest in improving community conditions, healthcare and outcomes for Black women throughout their lives, not just when they’re pregnant.

Black women are three times as likely as white women to lose a baby before their first birthday

Black women in Wisconsin are three times more likely to die as a result of pregnancy and birth than white peers

Black women made up 10% of Wisconsin births in 2016–17 but represented 15% of pregnancy-related deaths

"Black Women will achieve health equity when there are no social, economic or political barriers to keep us from living our best lives."

Linda Goler Blount

President, Black Women’s Health Imperative (2018 Black Women’s Wellness Day Keynote Speaker)

impact on black Babies

Babies born to Black mothers in Dane County are twice as likely to be born at low birth weight than babies born to white mothers, placing them at increased risk of significant health and developmental challenges, and of dying within the first year of life. Babies born at a low birth weight may be more likely than others to have certain health conditions later in life, including diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, intellectual and developmental disabilities, metabolic syndrome and obesity, according to the March of Dimes.

The crisis

impact on black mothers

Black women are three times as likely as white women to lose a baby before their first birthday

Black women in Wisconsin are three times more likely to die as a result of pregnancy and birth than white peers

Black women made up 10% of Wisconsin births in 2016–17 but represented 15% of pregnancy-related deaths

impact on black Babies

of every 1,000 babies born to Black mothers in Dane County don’t live to see their first birthday

of premature births in Dane County are to Black mothers, which is 1.6x the rate for white mothers

Black children in Dane County live in poverty

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The crisis

impact on black mothers

Black women are three times as likely as white women to lose a baby before their first birthday

Black women in Wisconsin are three times more likely to die as a result of pregnancy and birth than white peers

Black women made up 10% of Wisconsin births in 2016–17 but represented 15% of pregnancy-related deaths

impact on black Babies

of every 1,000 babies born to Black mothers in Dane County don’t live to see their first birthday

of premature births in Dane County are to Black mothers, which is 1.6x the rate for white mothers

Black children in Dane County live in poverty

Stay Connected

Visit Us

Get In Touch

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