During Black Maternal Health Week, we are reminded of the unacceptable—and largely preventable—disparities that exist for Black women. Maryland’s maternal mortality rate of 24.8 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births (measured 2013-2017) ranks our state 22nd in the U.S. The rate for Black Marylanders is roughly four times higher.

Racist and xenophobic language associated with the coronavirus pandemic is believed to have fueled an alarming spike in physical violence against members of the Asian American community and online harassment over the past year.

With just three weeks left in the 2021 Maryland General Assembly session, there is positive momentum on many of MHA’s priorities to expand health care access and bolster health equity.

From Elizabeth Blackwell to Virginia Apgar to Jennifer Doudna, women have long been at the forefront of medical innovation—breaking through barriers to build hospitals, invent technologies, and lead top medical organizations.