The Truth About Black Women’s Health

By Tara E. | March 11, 2025

The Stats, The Barriers, & The Change We Need

Introduction: The Numbers Don’t Lie

Black women’s health is in crisis—and the statistics make that painfully clear. The reality is that Black women are facing alarming health disparities in maternal mortality, breast cancer, diabetes, and hypertension. These disparities are not just biological but are a component of systemic issues such as limited access to healthcare, implicit bias, and socioeconomic barriers.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women. The Breast Cancer Research Foundation reports that we are 40% more likely to die from breast cancer as we are less likely to receive a diagnosis. Meanwhile, the American Heart Association (AHA) states that 57% of Black women have high blood pressure, which is often undiagnosed and untreated, increasing the risk of stroke and heart disease.

These numbers are not just statistics—they represent real lives, real families, and real struggles. This article explores the challenges behind these disparities and, more importantly, the solutions that can help us take control of our health and demand better care.

Maternal Mortality: Why Are Black Women Still Dying?

One of the most heartbreaking statistics is the maternal mortality rate among Black women. Despite medical advances, Black women in the U.S. continue to die at three times the rate of white women during pregnancy and childbirth. According to the CDC, an estimated 80% of these deaths are preventable.

Key Factors Driving Black Maternal Mortality:

• Implicit Bias in Healthcare: A study in JAMA found that Black patients’ pain and symptoms are often underestimated by doctors, leading to delays in life-saving care.
• Lack of Access to Quality Maternal Care: Many Black women live in maternal care deserts, where hospitals and OB/GYN services are scarce.
• Chronic Stress and the Weathering Effect: The stress of systemic racism has been linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm births and preeclampsia.

What Can We Do?

• Advocate for Yourself in Medical Settings: Black women should feel empowered to ask questions, seek second opinions, and bring a trusted advocate to appointments.
• Support Black Maternal Health Initiatives: Organizations like the Black Mamas Matter Alliance are working to improve maternal health policies and resources for Black women.

Breast Cancer: The Silent Killer of Black Women

Black women develop breast cancer at lower rates than white women, but we are 40% more likely to die from it, according to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Why? Because we often receive a diagnosis later when the disease has already progressed to an advanced stage.

Barriers to Early Detection & Treatment:

• Delayed Diagnosis: Studies show that Black women are less likely to receive an offer for early screenings or follow-ups for suspicious findings.
• Lack of Access to Cutting-Edge Treatments: Many Black women do not have access to the same treatment options as white women due to financial barriers and provider bias.

What Can We Do?

• Get Regular Screenings: Black women can begin mammograms at age 40 or earlier if they have a family history of breast cancer.
• Know Your Risk: Organizations like Sisters Network Inc. provide resources for Black women diagnosed with breast cancer.

Diabetes & Heart Disease: The Silent Epidemic

Black women are twice as likely to develop type 2 diabetes, and 57% of us have hypertension, according to the American Diabetes Association and AHA. These chronic conditions are major contributors to heart disease, which is the leading cause of death for Black women.

Why Are These Conditions So Prevalent?

• Food Deserts & Nutritional Inequality: Many Black communities lack access to fresh, healthy food, leading to higher rates of obesity and diabetes.
• Lack of Preventative Care: Routine check-ups can detect high blood pressure early. However, people often skip them due to financial constraints or mistrust of medical professionals.
• Chronic Stress & Cortisol Overload: The ongoing stress of racism and discrimination is linked to increased rates of high blood pressure.

What Can We Do?

• Monitor Your Blood Pressure & Glucose Levels: Black women should make regular screenings a priority.
• Adopt Heart-Healthy Habits: Walking, reducing processed food intake, and lowering stress levels can improve long-term health.

Organizations like GirlTrek encourage Black women to reclaim their health through walking and community engagement.

Systemic Barriers in Healthcare: Why Black Women Struggle to Get the Care We Deserve

Even when Black women seek medical care, we are less likely to be listened to, taken seriously, or provided with high-quality treatment. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that Black women are more likely to live in medically underserved areas, meaning they must travel further to access doctors and specialists.

Common Issues in Black Women’s Healthcare Experiences:

• Pain Dismissal: Studies show that Black patients’ pain is often underestimated, leading to under-prescription of necessary pain medication.
• Delayed Diagnoses: Many Black women report feeling dismissed when they present symptoms, leading to delays in diagnosing serious conditions like cancer and autoimmune diseases.
• Lower Quality of Care in Emergency Situations: Black women are more likely to be ignored or misdiagnosed in emergency rooms.

What Can We Do?

• Be Your Own Advocate: If something feels off, push for answers. Seek second opinions when necessary.
• Choose Culturally Competent Healthcare Providers: Look for doctors who understand and respect Black women’s unique health concerns.
• Support Policy Changes: Advocating for better healthcare policies that improve access for Black women is essential for change.

Organizations Leading the Fight for Black Women’s Health

If you’re looking for support, here are some organizations doing the work:

• Black Women’s Health Imperative (BWHI): Focused on improving health outcomes and advocating for policy changes.
• Sisters Network Inc.: A national organization dedicated to breast cancer awareness in Black women.
• Black Mamas Matter Alliance: Provides resources and advocacy for improving Black maternal health.
• GirlTrek: Encourages Black women to prioritize their health through movement and community building.

What You Can Do Today to Prioritize Your Health

If there’s one thing this conversation makes clear, it’s that we have to take charge of our health. Here’s how you can start today:

• Schedule a check-up: Don’t wait until something is wrong—make preventative care a priority.
• Know your numbers: Monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose levels.
• Speak up at the doctor’s office: If you feel dismissed, push for more information or switch providers.
• Support Black health organizations: Get involved or donate to organizations making a difference.
• Encourage other Black women to prioritize their health.

Final Thoughts: We Deserve Better—And We Can Demand It

The statistics on Black women’s health are alarming, but they don’t have to define our future. By staying informed, advocating for ourselves, and supporting one another, we can demand better care and take control of our well-being.

🎧 Listen to the full conversation on the latest episode of the Rooted Will, Rising Advocate Podcast. [Insert Link]