Black mothers in America are still dying at drastically higher rates—and the most painful truth is that many of these deaths never had to happen. In this episode of Prescribing a Healthier Future, Dr. Akilah Webber Pearson frames Black maternal health as what it is: a public health emergency rooted in systemic inequities, gaps in access, and the ways bias shows up in care.

Her guest, Courtney Christian—Deputy VP of Policy and Research at PhRMA and former Director of Policy and Advocacy at the Black Women’s Health Imperative connects the dots between policy decisions and real-life outcomes for families. Together they explore why cardiovascular complications are a leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths for Black women, and why the danger often extends well into the weeks and months after birth when many mothers are sent home without the follow-up care they need.

They also name what can help: earlier screening, stronger postpartum coverage, culturally responsive care, doula and midwife support, and community advocacy that stays persistent and strategic. The takeaway is clear: every mother deserves to thrive not just survive and changing the outcome will require action from all of us.

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