Addressing Racial Disparities in New York State Maternal Mortality Rates

This presentation will first examine the origins of disparate rates of maternal mortality in the United States. Racial disparities in maternal mortality exist across the United States and as a result, a number of states have implemented legislation aimed at decreasing maternal mortality rates. This presentation specifically examines the history of New York State legislation as it pertains to maternal mortality. Only recently, New York State developed initiatives meant to reduce racial disparities in maternal health outcomes. These initiatives will be the primary focus of the presentation.