Transforming Maternal Healthcare with Equity & Compassion

Research indicates that Black women in the United States face disproportionately high rates of maternal morbidity and mortality. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Black women are two to three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women, with the majority of these deaths being preventable.

The presence of bias within healthcare settings significantly contributes to these adverse outcomes. Bias refers to the attitudes or stereotypes that affect our understanding, actions, and decisions unconsciously or consciously.

Explicit bias involves conscious attitudes and beliefs about a person or group, while implicit bias refers to the unconscious associations and feelings that influence our perceptions and actions.

Implicit bias is particularly insidious in healthcare, as it can lead to unintentional discrimination, affecting clinical assessments, decision-making, and patient-provider relationships.

Addressing these biases is crucial for improving maternal health outcomes among Black women. The SHALON Blueprint offers a comprehensive framework to eliminate racial disparities in maternal healthcare through interdisciplinary collaboration, cultural competence, and systemic change. By equipping healthcare providers, policymakers, and community leaders with the necessary tools, the SHALON Blueprint strives to create equitable, person-centered maternal care experiences for Black women and birthing people.

Why the SHALON Blueprint?

The SHALON Blueprint provides a structured, actionable approach to mitigating bias and improving maternal health outcomes by fostering a culture of respect, listening, and accountability in clinical settings.