Black Maternal Health: Why Black Mothers Are Still at Risk | Dr. Rachel Villanueva

From The Monique Pressley Show · 00:19:56

Show by Monique Pressley

Black mothers are dying from preventable pregnancy-related complications at disproportionately high rates. Why is this still happening—and what can we do about it?In this special Black Maternal Health Week edition of The Monique Pressley Show, Monique welcomes Dr. Rachel Villanueva, obstetrician-gynecologist and former president of the National Medical Association, for an urgent conversation about Black maternal mortality, healthcare disparities, medical bias, and the steps that can help save lives.As a mother, attorney, and advocate, Monique brings both personal conviction and a commitment to accountability to a discussion that affects Black women and families across America.In this episode:The Black maternal health crisis: Dr. Villanueva explains why Black women experience disproportionately high rates of pregnancy-related deaths, even when they have substantial financial resources, education, and access to healthcare.Medical bias and systemic racism: How longstanding inequities in the healthcare system affect the quality of care Black women receive—and why being heard and believed matters.Recognizing pregnancy and postpartum complications: The importance of taking symptoms seriously, including severe headaches, excessive bleeding, and signs of mental health distress.Why postpartum coverage matters: How access to medical care during the year following childbirth can help address serious health risks.Environmental and community health: The relationship between chronic medical conditions, neighborhood conditions, healthcare access, and pregnancy outcomes.Solutions and advocacy: What individuals, families, healthcare professionals, and community organizations can do to better support Black mothers and birthing people.The conversation also addresses the importance of science-based public health information, including concerns about misinformation affecting the autism community.Dr. Villanueva shares why Black maternal health must be a year-round priority—not simply a topic of discussion during an awareness campaign.Resources mentioned in the episode:Black Mamas Matter Alliance: https://blackmamasmatter.orgBlack Maternal Health Week: https://blackmaternalhealthweek.comFollow Dr. Rachel Villanueva on Instagram: @DoctorRachelSaysThe Monique Pressley Show delivers substantive conversations, compelling interviews, legal and political analysis, and practical information that helps audiences understand the issues affecting their lives—and what they can do about them.Watch, listen, follow, and share The Monique Pressley Show on your favorite platform.From the Vault: Originally aired April 17, 2025. Medical statistics and policy references reflect the information discussed at the time of recording. This episode is for educational purposes and does not replace individualized medical advice.

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