Hudson Valley physician focuses on lowering rising maternal mortality rates among Black patients

Data shows maternal mortality rates went up in 2021 - with Black patients dying during pregnancy more than two times the rate as white patients, according to the National Center for Health Statistics.

Blaise Gomez

Mar 28, 2023, 7:59 PM

Updated 562 days ago

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A Hudson Valley physician is working to improve rising maternal mortality rates, especially among Black patients. 
Dr. Ashanda Saint Jean is the chair of OB-GYN medicine at Westchester Medical Center’s Health Alliance Hospital in Kingston. 
Data shows maternal mortality rates went up in 2021 - with Black patients dying during pregnancy more than two times the rate as white patients, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. 
Saint Jean says studies show systemic racism is a driving factor creating an inequality of care. 
“Our patients need to know that their concerns are being validated, that they have agency during this pregnancy and that all their needs will be addressed," said Saint Jean.
Saint Jean is working to lower statistics locally by partnering the hospital with doulas, increasing patient access to specialized care and providing pre-delivery screening.  
Visit HAHV.org/The-Family-Birth-Place for more information about the hospital and Saint Jean’s initiatives.