In Response to: Turning the tide

Dear Editor,

First, I would like to show gratitude for the article you published in American Nurse Journal, volume #19 on date April 2024 titled “Turning the tide.” This subject of health disparities among the maternal population in the USA is such an important and under-discussed topic. Not only is it imperative that we talk about how high the maternal mortality rate is in the United States I completely agree with you when you state the reason for these tragic outcomes is complex and multifactorial. There is no doubt socioeconomic status is a huge factor and might be quite cumbersome for us as nurses to take on the challenges of tackling these disparities.

However, we can do our part by continuing to be our patients’ biggest advocates while also teaching them to self-advocate. Many minorities feel like their complaints or concerns are not being taken seriously. For instance, I look at cases like Serena Williams, where she kept complaining that she was not feeling well, and doctors disregarded her concerns. They figured she was being overly concerned as a new mom. She fought and continued to advocate for herself and ended up finding out she had a potentially deadly blood clot.

This is someone with a high-profile status and significant financial resources. Just imagine the predicament of an average person like me or the uninsured/underinsured person. I think it’s amazing we have The Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act! This is a huge step forward. Nurses should be more involved with their state to help pass legislation so more policies and procedures can be implemented. We as health professionals must do our part in reducing the maternal/infant mortality rate among Blacks and Hispanics in the USA.

Derronica Collins
Jersey City, NJ