To the Editor:
April 11-17 is Black Maternal Health Week, which brings much needed attention to the Black maternal mortality crisis. According to the New York State Department of Health, Black, non-Hispanic women have a pregnancy-related mortality ration five times higher than white, non-Hispanic women. Data also shows that 73.6 percent of pregnancy-related deaths had at least some chance of being prevented.
Prenatal care is proven to improve maternal health outcomes. Regular checkups during pregnancy provide opportunities to monitor the health of both the developing fetus and the mother, meaning providers can intervene sooner if there is a problem.
Some patients may need more support beyond a doctor’s visit. The Centering Pregnancy program, offered at Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic (PPHP), offers prenatal care in a group setting. In addition to one-on-one time with a provider, pregnant people can connect with other expecting families to ask questions, share advice, and feel a sense of community. The communal setting empowers pregnant people to be actively involved in their care and to make healthy choices throughout their pregnancy and beyond. Studies have shown that Centering Pregnancy nearly eliminates racial disparities at pre-term birth.
PPHP proudly offers both traditional prenatal care and Centering Pregnancy free of charge to eligible patients through the Medicaid for Women program. We are committed this week and every week to achieving equitable health outcomes for Black mothers and their families.
Dr. Meera Shah
Chief Medical Officer
Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic
