New York City Mayor Eric Adams this week hosted a conference to discuss the maternal health disparity that Black New Yorkers face.
The event brought together leaders from across different sectors — including representatives from government, academia, and health care, among others — with the aim of brainstorming strategies to significantly reduce maternal deaths among Black mothers in New York City.
According to the Adams administration, Black New Yorkers are reportedly four times more likely than white New Yorkers to experience a pregnancy-associated death.
The conference is part of the city’s aim to reduce pregnancy-related mortalities experienced by Black residents by 10% over the next seven years, as outlined in the city’s HealthyNYC campaign that launched late last year.
“This is a critical moment for women's health in New York City and across the country,” said Mayor Adams.
“Our administration has taken action to boost birth equity, expanding the doula program citywide, signing a package of bills to strengthen maternal health, and setting the ambitious goal of reducing Black maternal mortality by 10% by 2030. Today’s conference is a continuation of that work, bringing leaders from across sectors to the table to discuss solutions to determine how we can build a city that supports all new families.”
Among the speakers featured at the conference included First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, various city health staff members, along with Dr. Chelsea Clinton — daughter of former president Bill Clinton and representative of the Clinton Global Initiative, one of the event’s partners.
“The Black maternal health crisis is an existential issue that not only deserves our attention; it deserves, and requires, our shared commitment to action.” said Clinton. “At the Clinton Foundation and Clinton Global Initiatives, we stand ready to be of service in any way we can. And I am hopeful that together we can build a safer, healthier, and more equitable future.”
