How High Maternity Costs Impact Women Of Color

The journey to motherhood, a moment often portrayed as joyous and transformative, is increasingly burdened by financial strain — especially for women of color. A recently published study illuminates a stark reality: racial and ethnic disparities in out-of-pocket maternity care costs are significant, adding another layer of challenge to an already vulnerable population.   

The study reveals that Black, Hispanic, and Asian individuals with commercial insurance face considerably higher out-of-pocket expenses for maternity care compared to their white counterparts. This discrepancy is felt most during prenatal care, where Black individuals, for instance, pay an average of 74% more than white individuals for recommended services. This financial burden is not merely an inconvenience — it represents a systemic inequity that can have profound consequences for maternal and infant health.   

This disparity arises from insurance plan disparities, socioeconomic factors, and systemic racism in healthcare. According to the aforementioned research, women of color are more likely to have higher coinsurance rates. As a result, their out-of-pocket costs are exorbitant. It is an even more difficult strain on families with low socioeconomic status.

Socioeconomic disparities play a significant role in maternity costs. According to the Center for American Progress, women of color, specifically Native American, Black, and Latina women, experience poverty at greater rates than their counterparts. This makes maternity and childbirth costs harder for these women to bear. Additionally, the Racial and Ethnic Differences in Out-of-Pocket Spending for Maternity Care study shows maternal care accounts for a large portion of Black and Latino household expenses.

While women of color have enough on their plate regarding maternal care and its subsequent costs, they must also consider systemic racism in healthcare. Due to implicit biases, rollbacks on DEI, and overall lack of competent care, healthcare providers can miss or dismiss medical complications the mother may face. This can later cause a rise in maternity care costs.

The consequences of these financial burdens go further than the amount in one’s bank account. Increased stress from financial worry can negatively impact maternal health, potentially leading to complications like preterm birth and postpartum depression. Furthermore, the fear of high medical bills can deter women from seeking necessary prenatal care, resulting in adverse health outcomes for both mother and child.   

The findings from the study, combined with the CDC’s data on maternal mortality, show a major gap in maternal care for women of color. Black women are already three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. Adding financial strain to this already vulnerable group creates a perfect storm of health risks.   

Addressing these disparities requires a multi-faceted approach. Policy changes, such as those aimed at reducing out-of-pocket costs and improving access to affordable insurance, are crucial. Additionally, efforts to dismantle systemic racism within the healthcare system, including implicit bias training and increased diversity among healthcare providers, are essential.   

The financial burden of maternity care is not just a healthcare issue; it’s a social justice issue. Until we address the systemic inequities that disproportionately affect women of color, the promise of a healthy and equitable start to life will remain out of reach for far too many.