Bridging the Gap: Expanding Doula Care to Address Maternal Health Disparities Among Black Women
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Gaddy, Kirby Patrice
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Abstract
This paper presents a business case for the nationwide standardization of doula training and Medicaid coverage, aiming to create a more equitable maternal healthcare system that fully supports Black mothers. Grounded in Black Feminist Thought/Theory, this research addresses racial disparities in maternal health outcomes, focusing on low-income Black women receiving Medicaid benefits. It critically examines the structural, financial, and strategic considerations necessary for implementing comprehensive doula care nationwide. Despite extensive research demonstrating that Black women face disproportionately high maternal mortality rates regardless of education or socioeconomic status, significant gaps persist in accessible, quality maternal care. By advocating for nationwide standardization, this paper addresses the inconsistencies in doula training and coverage across different states, including doula coverage for Medicaid recipients. The focus on Black women receiving Medicaid benefits is critical because Medicaid funds a large portion of births involving Black women and is the largest source of health coverage in the United States. As of 2024, 12 states and Washington D.C. have implemented Medicaid coverage for doula services, with only two states, Rhode Island and Louisiana, having mandated private insurance coverage. This fragmented approach has resulted in inconsistent training standards and coverage policies, ultimately failing to address the systemic racial inequities in maternal healthcare. By standardizing doula training and Medicaid coverage nationwide, this business case aims to to reduce maternal mortality rates among Black women significantly and set a new standard for inclusive, culturally competent, and effective maternal care in the United States. This paper recognizes that not all Black birthing folks identify as Black women. Thus, terms will be used interchangeably to recognize this and remain consistent with research terms.
