elijahs mum

Pregnancy is never without risk and for Black women in the UK and other developed countries , that risk is even higher. According to the latest MBRRACE-UK report, Black women are around two to three times more likely to die during pregnancy or within six weeks after giving birth compared to White women. (Earlier reports showed it was as high as five times more likely, but while the gap has narrowed slightly, it’s still deeply concerning.) And no; this isn’t about biology. It’s about systemic bias, delayed care, and a medical system that too often fails to listen to Black women when they say something’s wrong. So before anyone downplays this or spreads misinformation, please do your research. Even globally recognised women — with access to the best healthcare money can buy — have had near-death experiences during childbirth: Serena Williams had an emergency C-section followed by life-threatening blood clots, and had to fight to be taken seriously by her medical team. Beyoncé developed preeclampsia (toxemia) while pregnant with twins and needed an emergency C-section; her babies spent weeks in the NICU. Chrissy Teigen suffered a severe placental abruption, forcing doctors to perform a life-saving abortion. If women this visible, wealthy, and resourceful can experience these complications, imagine what it’s like for everyday women without access to the same care. Pregnancy is dangerous…full stop. For Black women, it’s even more so.