Maternal Health Disparities
Black women in the US have 2–3x higher maternal mortality rates than white women — a disparity that persists across income and education levels. The disparity is driven by: (1) implicit bias in healthcare — Black women's pain and symptoms are often dismissed or undertreated; (2) inadequate prenatal care — Black women are less likely to receive adequate prenatal care; and (3) social determinants of health — housing instability, food insecurity, and stress.
Employer Interventions
- Enhanced prenatal care: Cover additional prenatal visits and screenings for high-risk pregnancies
- Doula coverage: Cover doula services — doulas reduce cesarean rates by 50% and improve outcomes
- Postpartum support: Extend postpartum mental health coverage; cover postpartum home visits
- Telehealth prenatal care: Expand access to prenatal care through telehealth
- Implicit bias training: Require implicit bias training for in-network OB/GYN providers
- Maternal health navigation: Provide dedicated care navigation for pregnant employees
Doula Coverage
IQ Insight
Doula coverage is one of the highest-value maternal health equity interventions. Doulas — trained birth companions who provide continuous support during labor and delivery — reduce cesarean rates by 50%, reduce preterm birth rates, and improve maternal satisfaction. Doula coverage is particularly valuable for Black women, who have the highest rates of adverse maternal outcomes. The cost of doula coverage ($1,000–$3,000 per birth) is far less than the cost of a cesarean delivery ($15,000–$25,000).