LA Panel Addresses Black Maternal Health Crisis: Every 5 Days a Woman Loses Her Life

A recent report, the 2025 Birthing Care Pathways report, indicates that a woman loses her life to pregnancy-related complications in California every five days. This alarming statistic underscores a critical health crisis, particularly for Black women, who face a significantly elevated risk. Black women are nearly three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications compared to white women, revealing a stark disparity in maternal health outcomes. The "

Born to Thrive" Black Maternal Health Panel, hosted by the First Ladies Health Initiative (FLHI) at First AME Church in Los Angeles on Saturday, April 11, seeks to address these inequities. The event is timed to coincide with Black Maternal Health Week, a national observance taking place from April 11 to April 17, 2026. This week-long initiative is dedicated to supporting education, advocacy, and amplifying the voices of Black mothers across the nation.

FLHI, led by Executive Director Marquisé Alston-Allison, is a faith-based non-profit organization focused on closing the health equity gap in underserved communities. The organization achieves this through partnerships with churches and First Ladies nationwide. The 90-minute panel discussion will convene experts, advocates, and community leaders to confront the systemic issues contributing to these disparities in access, quality of care, and support.

Several social determinants of health contribute to the crisis, including unstable housing, limited transportation access, food insecurity, substance use, violence, and economic inequality. Alston-Allison emphasized that "

These disparities are not about individual choices, but about systemic gaps in access, quality of care, and support." The situation in Los Angeles mirrors the national trend, with Black mothers encountering substantial barriers to receiving adequate care.

The pregnancy-related mortality and morbidity crisis disproportionately impacts Black, American Indian/Alaska Native, and Pacific Islander pregnant and postpartum individuals. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that over 80% of pregnancy-related deaths in the United States are preventable. Initiatives like LA County's African American Infant and Maternal Mortality Prevention Initiative are actively working to mitigate these inequalities by fostering collaboration between healthcare systems, community organizations, and local leaders.

Alston-Allison explained that the panel aims to build upon this collaborative approach, connecting women with essential resources such as doulas, postpartum support, and culturally relevant education. The goal is to create a safe space for open conversations about the changes needed to improve maternal health outcomes. "

It's about connecting women to resources like doulas, postpartum support, and culturally relevant education, while creating space for honest conversations about what needs to change," she said.

Actress Vanessa Estelle Williams ("9-1-1," "

Candyman," "

Soul Food") will host the panel. Williams expressed her eagerness to "sound the alarm and provide the relevant information needed to activate," and to address the problems with "clarity and move with intention and purpose toward solutions." She highlighted the importance of raising public awareness through storytelling and sharing the experiences of those affected by these statistics.

Williams also stressed the need for comprehensive programs, campaigns, and funding to support pregnant mothers emotionally and mentally, including early screenings for depression and anxiety, access to doulas, and clear pathways to treatment. She emphasized the importance of culturally sensitive healthcare professionals committed to providing appropriate care. The panel will specifically explore structural racism in maternal healthcare and the crucial role of doulas and midwives in improving birth outcomes.

Research indicates that doulas have a positive impact on a pregnant woman's life, with studies showing improved birthing outcomes for Black mothers who receive doula support. A recent study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that issues of racism and bias persist within the healthcare system, contributing to the Black maternal health crisis. This risk remains present regardless of a woman's wealth, education, or social status.

Alston-Allison noted that "

Structural racism shows up in maternal healthcare in ways that are both visible and invisible."

For Alston-Allison, the issue has become personally relevant as she and her husband consider starting a family. She emphasized that "

Every woman deserves to step into motherhood feeling informed, supported, and safe, and closing that gap requires both awareness and action." The "

Born To Thrive" Black Maternal Health Panel aims to empower attendees with knowledge and resources to support Black mothers and families.