Detroit Faces Challenges with High Rates of Premature Births
Detroit has been identified as the city with the highest rate of premature births among the top 100 U.S. cities by birth rate, according to the March of Dimes’ latest “report card”. The nonprofit, which is dedicated to maternal and infant health, reported that infants in Detroit are at a greater risk of being born before 37 weeks of gestation compared to other major cities.
The statistics are concerning: 16.6% of babies in Detroit are born prematurely, a significant contrast to the 10.7% rate in Michigan and the national average of 10.4%. Premature birth can lead to various health challenges, including developmental delays and respiratory issues, and increases the risk of infant mortality within the first year. More details are available in the March of Dimes report.
Several factors contribute to preterm births, including medical conditions such as high blood pressure, short intervals between pregnancies, and the use of tobacco. However, the level of medical care is also crucial, explains Dr. Michael Warren, a pediatrician and chief medical and health officer at the March of Dimes. “Many people of color in this country have experienced and continue to experience racism and discrimination and bias across many systems, including the health care system,” Warren noted. “Those experiences can lead to worse outcomes.”
Preterm birth rates are notably higher among Black and Native American infants. Cities with failing grades in the March of Dimes report, like Detroit, often have significant Black populations. Tamika Jackson from Mothering Justice, a Detroit-based advocacy group, highlighted that personal, environmental, and social factors heavily influence maternal and infant health. “I think that we don’t take into account economic [factors], and how that stress really leans into [complications during pregnancy],” she stated.
Jackson shared that many mothers feel overlooked in medical settings, stating, “A lot of what I hear from the moms is, ‘I knew something was wrong, but they wouldn’t listen.’” Jackson herself testified to the Michigan Senate about a personal experience where a medical error during childbirth led to significant complications. More on her testimony can be found here.
In an effort to tackle these disparities, Democratic state senators, all women of color, have reintroduced a legislative package aimed at addressing inequities in maternal and infant care. The proposed bills include expanding Medicaid to cover midwives and establishing a system to report discrimination in healthcare settings. Senator Sylvia Santana of Detroit emphasized the need for equitable care, stating, “Giving birth is an intensely vulnerable yet incredibly special experience, and every mother deserves access to quality health care that respects their wishes.” Further details on the legislation can be accessed here.
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