Why is the Rate of Maternal Mortality Higher for Black Women in the U.S.?

The United States has the highest rate of maternal deaths among wealthy countries. Black women in America are two to three times more likely to die of pregnancy-related complications than white and Hispanic women—and most of these deaths are preventable. Neel Shah is an obstetrician-gynecologist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and professor at Harvard Medical School.