Faculty mentor/PI email address
brennaam@rowan.edu
Keywords
HCOP, maternal health, birth outcomes, infant health, pregnancy complications, maternal morbidity
Date of Presentation
5-6-2026 12:00 AM
Poster Abstract
Racial disparities in maternal morbidity and mortality remain a persistent public health issue in the United States, with Black non-hispanic women experiencing a 2.4 to 3.3 greater risk of pregnancy-related complications compared to their white counterparts. In New Jersey, these disparities are similarly pronounced, with severe maternal morbidity occurring at more than twice the rate among non-Hispanic Black mothers. These inequities extend beyond maternal outcomes and contribute to adverse infant health outcomes, including stillbirth, preterm birth, and low birth weight. This study was conducted using databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar, as well as public health sources including the New Jersey Department of Health and the March of Dimes. Key search terms included “maternal health,” “maternal mortality,” “birth outcomes in NJ,” and “pregnancy complications.” Results indicate that stillbirth rates are highest among non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic mothers in New Jersey. Contributing risk factors include placental abruption, eclampsia, diabetes mellitus, and lack of prenatal care. Additionally, geographic barriers such as increased distance to maternity care facilities in Southern New Jersey were associated with higher risks of maternal morbidity. These same factors were linked to increased rates of preterm birth, low birth weight, and infant mortality. These disparities are rooted in systemic inequities, including limited access to healthcare, inadequate education, and insufficient social support. The intersection of race and gender amplifies these risks, underscoring the need for targeted interventions. A proposed solution includes developing a resource guide to spread awareness on existing resources and organizations dedicated to improve patient access to healthcare services.
Disciplines
Community Health and Preventive Medicine | Maternal and Child Health | Medicine and Health Sciences | Population Health
Included in
Community Health and Preventive Medicine Commons, Maternal and Child Health Commons, Population Health Commons
Racial Inequities in Maternal Health and Birth Outcomes in South Jersey
Racial disparities in maternal morbidity and mortality remain a persistent public health issue in the United States, with Black non-hispanic women experiencing a 2.4 to 3.3 greater risk of pregnancy-related complications compared to their white counterparts. In New Jersey, these disparities are similarly pronounced, with severe maternal morbidity occurring at more than twice the rate among non-Hispanic Black mothers. These inequities extend beyond maternal outcomes and contribute to adverse infant health outcomes, including stillbirth, preterm birth, and low birth weight. This study was conducted using databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar, as well as public health sources including the New Jersey Department of Health and the March of Dimes. Key search terms included “maternal health,” “maternal mortality,” “birth outcomes in NJ,” and “pregnancy complications.” Results indicate that stillbirth rates are highest among non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic mothers in New Jersey. Contributing risk factors include placental abruption, eclampsia, diabetes mellitus, and lack of prenatal care. Additionally, geographic barriers such as increased distance to maternity care facilities in Southern New Jersey were associated with higher risks of maternal morbidity. These same factors were linked to increased rates of preterm birth, low birth weight, and infant mortality. These disparities are rooted in systemic inequities, including limited access to healthcare, inadequate education, and insufficient social support. The intersection of race and gender amplifies these risks, underscoring the need for targeted interventions. A proposed solution includes developing a resource guide to spread awareness on existing resources and organizations dedicated to improve patient access to healthcare services.