A group of maternal health equity thought leaders has come together to form the Racial Disparities Task Force, launching a comprehensive action plan to address the disproportionately high rates of hypertension-related maternal mortality and morbidity among Black women in the United States. The initiative, detailed in a recent publication in the Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities, outlines strategic priorities aimed at improving outcomes for Black women experiencing hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP).
The action plan emphasizes community engagement, healthcare practice improvements, and research catalyzation. Key recommendations include managing patients’ chronic hypertension, prescribing low-dose prenatal aspirin for those at risk of preeclampsia, and enhancing postpartum follow-up with remote patient monitoring and mental health support.
The task force calls for increased engagement of Black women in research, both as participants and leaders, and advocates for a shift towards precision medicine strategies in HDP management. The plan also stresses the importance of partnering with trusted community organizations and HDP survivors to implement these strategies effectively.
Cornelia Graves, MD, a high-risk ob/gyn and task force member, and Eleni Tsigas, CEO of the Preeclampsia Foundation, emphasize the need for intentional action beyond simply having women of color in care or communities. They urge healthcare providers, systems, non-profit organizations, and other stakeholders to examine their practices and address representation strategies within their spheres of influence.
This initiative represents a significant step towards addressing racial inequities in maternal health, particularly concerning hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, which affect 5-10% of all U.S. pregnancies and disproportionately impact Black women.
See “An Action Plan for Hypertension in Pregnancy” (September 24, 2024)
