Isha Sesay, a former CNN contributor who is based in Los Angeles, announced plans to give birth in New York. Recently, she took to Instagram to share her decision to relocate to the East Coast as she enters the final stages of pregnancy.
Sesay’s OBGYN is based in New York, which helped inform her decision. But the chief reason is linked to the dismal statistics involving pregnant Black women in the U.S.
According to the CDC, “Black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than White women.”
The California Health Care Foundation added to that already sobering fact.
“In California, Black mothers experience the highest rates of maternal morbidity (serious complications) and mortality (death) of any racial/ethnic group.”
There have been improvements over the years, but problems persist.
What Did Sesay's Instagram Caption Say?
The journalist wrote:
“So… I’m not just in New York for a visit. I’ve actually moved here – temporarily while I have my baby. Watch ‘til the end to find out what has brought me to New York.”
She continued, “it’s a really important issue that I’m definitely going to be talking about more in the days ahead. We all need to shine a light on on this terrifying reality for pregnant black women in the US, so I hope you’ll join me for these critical conversations.”
Race And Class Disparities Exist In The U.S.
CDC mentioned that not all women (and others who can get pregnant), have access to the same quality of care.
They explained, “multiple factors contribute to these disparities, such as variation in quality healthcare, underlying chronic conditions, structural racism, and implicit bias.”
“Social determinants of health prevent many people from racial and ethnic minority groups from having fair opportunities for economic, physical, and emotional health.”
Maternal Mortality Rates Vary State to State
The New York Times reported in 2021 that “the US has the worst rates of maternal mortality in the industrialized world. Increasingly, experts are concluding that these grim rates are caused by racial inequities in America’s health care system.”
Some states have worse maternal mortality rates than others.
The New York Times mentioned New Jersey “has the fourth highest maternal mortality rate.”
Instagram Users Were Supportive Of Sesay
Support for Sesay was pretty much unanimous on Instagram.
And thankfully, nobody appeared to complain about the mention of race and class.
“Your community in NYC awaits you!” wrote Amazing Rach.
Cee Cee Michaela wrote, “smart , smart, smart move and she totally gets it. This is America! And this is REAL! You must get your care team in place. It’s nothing to play with.”
Some suggested she leave the U.S. altogether for Britain, Germany or Sweden, which all have socialized healthcare.