ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Black maternal mortality in the United States

Maternal mortality is when a mother dies during pregnancy, childbirth, or in the weeks after giving birth. Black maternal mortality in the United States is when black mothers are more likely to die than white mothers during pregnancy or childbirth.

When a baby is growing inside a mother, the mother's body changes a lot. The baby needs food and oxygen to grow, and the mother's body works hard to give the baby what it needs. Sometimes, things can go wrong during pregnancy, and these problems can be dangerous for mom and baby.

Black mothers in the United States are more likely to have health problems that make pregnancy and childbirth dangerous. Some of these health problems are caused by things like not getting enough healthy food or not being able to see a doctor when they need to. This means that black mothers have a higher chance of complications during pregnancy, which can lead to maternal mortality.

Another factor that contributes to black maternal mortality is racism. This means that some people treat black mothers unfairly, and they may not get the medical care they need because of the color of their skin. Racism can also make it harder for black moms to get healthy food and a safe place to live, which can make it more likely for them to have health problems.

Overall, black maternal mortality in the United States is a serious problem that needs attention and action to solve. We need to make sure that all mothers get the care they need during pregnancy and childbirth, regardless of their race or income. We also need to work together to fight racism and make sure that everyone has the opportunity to live a healthy, safe life.