Rhode Island Kids Count study: racial, ethnic disparities continue in maternal health care

"A lot of this data didn't surprise me," said Kaitlyn Rabb, the policy analyst for Rhode Island Kids Count, a local non profit that tracks our children's health and outcomes.

She said when it comes to maternal health, particularly for women of color, the news is discouraging.

"These are real people that are being impacted and we know through the voices of those with lived experiences - they're not feeling heard, they're not feeling they're getting the best care," Rabb said.

The numbers reflect that.

Three times more Black and brown women die from pregnancy-related complications.

• HEALTH CHECK: Treating 'post-holiday blues,' in kids and teenagers

For white women, the number rose from 20 to 24 per 100,000 in Rhode Island in 2020.

For Black women, it was substantially higher.

"From 41 per 100,000 live births to 55," Rabb said.

Surprisingly, or maybe not, treatments were not equal for Black women no matter their socio-economic status.

"Black women feel like their pain isn't being treated properly during pregnancy, after birth, and there's a lot of structural factors that contribute to that - including, you know, incorrect thoughts that Black people experience pain different ways," Rabb said.

She said she hopes the findings of the report prompt change and an increased awareness in the health community of inherent bias.

Rabb hopes more people will take advantage advantage of the Perinatal Doula Reimbursement Act, which requires insurers to pay for trained professionals who provide support and education throughout pregnancy.

She said, "implementing continued Medicaid coverage for children birth through age 5," would also help ensure kids get the care they need and deserve.

For those looking for resources, an organization called SISTA Fire helps nurture and empower women.

The Urban Perinatal Education Center in Pawtucket provides education and support.