The experiences of Mimi Evans and Erin Monk, two women who chose to give birth outside of their home states due to concerns about the quality of healthcare, show that the high rates of maternal mortality in the United States are disproportionately higher for Black women.
Mimi Evans, a doula and nursing student from Houston, decided to give birth in Richmond, Virginia, after experiencing neglect and mistreatment during her previous pregnancies in Texas. She and her partner traveled 1,300 miles to Chesterfield, Virginia, to ensure a safer birthing experience. The article also highlights the concerning rates of maternal deaths in Texas and the United States, particularly among Black women. It mentions that more Black women are opting for home births, doulas, midwives, and birth assistants to avoid becoming another statistic. However, crossing state lines for this purpose is less common and often not feasible for many due to limited resources and lack of insurance coverage. The article emphasizes the need for proper care and resources within communities to address the racial disparities in maternal healthcare rather than relying on crossing state lines as a solution.
Read the full article by Brianna Holt: One couple packed up an RV and drove 1,300 miles to give birth in Virginia to escape the high Black maternal mortality rate in Texas
https://www.yahoo.com/news/one-couple-packed-rv-drove-131601135.html