Mothers Matter: why so many black women are dying from childbirth

American moms are dying from childbirth. It’s getting worse in the United States while it gets better in other countries. Black women are three to four times more at risk. This four-part investigation focuses on the story of Kira and Charles Johnson and why so many healthy black mothers are not getting the care they need during after delivery. The series dives into everything from racism to simple solutions that can help save lives.

[@QUA237]

Murdered by Doctor... they need to be held accountable.

[@kariymahmuhammad19]

They ALL should be held to a higher standard!! She should have her license revoked or we should boycott her. No African-Americans ahould go to her period! See how long she lasts in the business.

[@maggiepatsypowhaten7757]

THE RUSH TO C - SECTION MY EXPERIENCE I SAID NO THEY TOOK ME TO X - RAY TO CONVINCE ME I CALLED MY MOTHER SHE ENCOURAGED ME " GIVE HIM . . . MINS HE ' LL BE HERE " SON , BORN WITHOUT C - SECTION BELIEVE INTUITION A FORM OF INTELLIGENCE N.I.S.A.I. by N.I.N.E. ; . . .3Sq PEACEMA ' NY !!!

[@carliepayton3557]

The husband could not have done more for his wife. He BEGGED those doctors for hours to take care of her and he was told “sir your wife just isn’t a priority right now”. How awful could you be?

[@zaheerahshareef7608]

And I am a RN it is totally disgusting and we should be advocates for our patients.

[@markburke476]

Carlie Payton-Excaly How awful man.

[@KJ1214]

This is hurtful( Priority) they say oh My God what is was a major medical issue which required priority medical assistant Asap So why wasn't it given why was she neglected I'm so sorry this happened to this family And so many other families To the husband you Did all you could And I'm so grateful that you are advocating on your wife behalf and others I'm just now seeing this again I m so sorry

[@mwand89]

"Gender racism" is even worser than racism!

[@FreedomofSpeech865]

The level of anger I feel for this family towards the horrible staff who couldn’t be bothered just checking on her.

[@ack153]

I'd like to see a study of black women going to a midwife versus an obgyn

[@ManisoPreddi95]

20 weeks pregnant currently and this is my biggest concern

[@miamoreno2032]

And the hospital told me that it wasn’t a malpractice, I almost died and they didn’t think the doctor did anything wrong, my heart goes out to all this family’s that lost someone do to something so simple as having a baby , i had a bad feeling about this doctor and I don’t know why I stay with her , I regret until this day because now I suffer from depression and I can’t have more baby’s.

[@hi-hi2574]

Mía Moreno May God be with you

[@TheMsheather86]

No it's not malpractice it's the deadly standard of care the pitocin is dangerous and causes a lot of the issues...

[@sheenab7882]

I am a postpartum nurse doing research on maternal mortality. I would like to hear your story if you would like to share. If you would, how can I contact you?

[@missydonald6381]

Y’all need to sue the hell out of these nurses/doctors!

[@princess_ama]

Pregnancy and childbirth should be a beautiful and special time in your life. RIP to all mothers and babies who have died due to negligent hospital staff.

[@Alldance09]

That Dr. Sujatha was completely dismissive and applied the exact opposite logic that was needed to get the point. She completely missed it. We're not asking doctors to not pay attention to risk factors for the black community, we're asking them to take our complaints seriously when they are brought up instead of being dismissive like she was in this video. How many stats is it going to take for people to stop making the "well, I don't do it so it doesn't exist" argument? It's tired. And as a practicing doctor I would've thought she would've had the wherewithal to get the point that this is an issue deeply rooted in prejudice, racism, and negative stereotypes.

[@anntyler1091]

This IS who they are. INDIAN doctors are a CURSE on the black community. They come here or are here with their from birth teaching on their CASTE SYSTEM B.S. and they think it entitles them to dispense health care AS THEY CHOOSE. THESE PEOPLE ARE IN LOVE WITH "WHITE" SKIN and no doubt their history being treated awful by the BRITISH has left them plenty scarred. The point briefly is do NOT PATRONIZE THEM, DO NOT PAY OR, USE YOUR INSURANCE DOLLARS TO ASSIST THEM IN KILLING YOU.

[@LVLady83]

Yes, she totally dodged the issue. So annoying

[@Rchelle_YAHsdaughter]

Exactly....her whole body language and focus was extremely dismissive. She was more concerned with how her friends/peers felt about the idea that they could possibly be racist. I would never stand for her or anyone who acted like her to be my nurse or my loved ones nurse. Her attitude was horrible and very overt.

[@profbell7931]

The medical field is a “for profit” organization. I left the field due to unethical practices. Physicians are removing organs. Think, think, think 🤔

[@profbell7931]

Ann Tyler Correction: Do not assist them in marketing black organs.

[@lt3074]

black people are treated less than in everything. it's been that way, since we were bought here in chains. we have to be aware of what is going on and be our own advocates.

[@meahdahlgren6537]

Right

[@karoline1574]

This is heartbreaking... Racism is definitely a factor here, and racist people have no place anywhere where they need to be around other humans.

[@miamoreno2032]

I know exactly how this people feels because i when trough the same thing and I’m Mexican and 10 days later after i had the baby i started shacking very bad and fever and that’s when I started bleeding and lost 7 pints of blood and i had emergency to take out my uterus because the doctor left me placenta tissue and i almost died and all because of negligence from the dr , she has her clinic at San Antonio tx her name is vanaja Ketherady , if you seeing a doctor that you don’t feel like she is treating you right move to another doctor.

[@Rchelle_YAHsdaughter]

So sorry that you endured that, but oh thank (and praise) GOD that you survived and pulled through.

[@renaesalazar5001]

Thank God you are okay. I made my sister change doctors pretty late in her pregnancy because I went to her appointment with her and did not like her dr. We live in San Antonio Texas.

[@earthgirl2629]

She was not obese this was racism at its best‼️There is no reason these things should be happening ‼️😳We are just like everyone else‼️ I was in a lot of pain after my c-section, I was trying to get of the gurney ‼️They we’re looking at me like what’s wrong with her, and I said PAIN, PAIN‼️I was in so much pain‼️ Never do that again😌 I made it luckly‼️❤️

[@lt3074]

she was beautiful outside and seemed more beautiful inside

[@EllisInWonderland.]

I remember when they first lost Kira. Can’t believe it’s been seven years. Blessings to her children and loved ones. May her legacy live on as the fight continues for equality in Black maternal healthcare. Rest Well Beautiful & Amazing Kira! 🙏🏽♥️🕊️#4Kira4Moms

[@Shirita5]

Similar situation occured with my daughter. She almost lost her life, almost another static. Our outcome she survived but not without complications. Sorry for your loss. This is true we just went through this.

[@hazell1593]

10:08 Now Dr. Sujatha you know that is not what is being discussed!!! Stop with the benign neglect/playing dumb!!! Sterotypes/bigotry/racism/generalizations have nothing to do with your genetic medical training!!!

[@reginaldmickensjr2195]

This guy has been on many channels he spreads the word!!!

[@ReBesBaBeS2020]

I hope he sued them

[@CHELSEABuckhannon]

He did and Won ❤

[@AICovers_._]

...God bless her sweet beautiful soul- God bless those beautiful babies, and the family surrounding her- But oh did you see that smile- her precious, full of life smile- how happy she was- the glow that she carried resembled powerfully how amazing of a husband she had and how loved she was in life. I would give so much to even know moments of her smile- I pray that her loved ones find the comfort of that smile- tho sadly short lived, the life which carried her was a magnitude of what we can only hope for. her smile alone makes me question so much of my own life- how do I obtain “that” joy- how do I embody “that” peace. one thing we do know is that God is with her- because no soul can possess what Kira did and not have Christ living within. even while gone, she lives. Thank you Kira for reminding me to live a life of fullness-

[@chasingthesun90]

Honestly that doctor that keeps defending this ahe needs to sit down and listen, your hurt feelings are not more important than someone's fears that they could die in avoidable circumstances

[@saorsablack9895]

My deepest condolences Sir. I am amazed by their lack of urgency- my heart breaks for you and your family

[@lt3074]

this is unacceptable

[@blessings4life]

I am not smiling in this serious hour of life. Doing all that cheesing won't help you. Be vigilant and SERIOUS, be ready to document anything and most importantly find the right facility for you and your family. Blessings to all Moms bringing forth LIFE.

[@DrTonyaBreauxShropshire]

this is too painful to watch....so very sorry, this is why I started my channel mother baby daddy...to help in some way

[@LonerBecause]

I needed to hear this message.

[@mosapedoterrorist7529]

Sorry for your loss guys,all the best in future endeavours

[@ashamariah3448]

I'm scared I don't even want to have a baby ever now 😭

[@profbell7931]

There taking organs 👩🏾

[@CHELSEABuckhannon]

Yep

[@sydneybest9429]

Beautiful video.

[@starbrown1149]

Smh I pray for all the black women that couldn’t be saved due to selfish reasons and discrimination ❤️Jesus is coming back all those doctors killing our strong black women will have to answer for that technically that’s murder .🤬

[@sammygirl954]

The word “strong” sometimes I think is the cause for us to be negatively impacted as Black women. As we’re seen as you can handle it. The strong Black woman thing can hurt us a lot, Especially in health care. The pre judgement we get also stems from racism from day one. When we were often used in medical experiments without anesthetics. It’s really sad same thing is happening in U.K.. they did a program on it last year. The government still did nothing about it. So Black women we have to try find a good Dr etc.

[@TijasWorld]

This upsets me so much.

[@frankiekohl1593]

Tee love dont let this get to you. These are just the opinions of the makers of this video.

[@fritzpierre6322]

Jesus !! heart breaking .

[@mkaythen2395]

This story makes me so, so upset.

[@allisonlew4508]

How could those medical professionals be so terrible & still have licenses to practice medicine.

[@lapearl3857]

Wow you have a beautiful family. Your son was born on my mother's birthday such a blessing

[@lauriebrazier5306]

O my God..this is so not right.these women r just like me .no different than me..the doctors and nurses including the hospital should all be held accountable 4 what they're doing.who the hell do they think they r they're not GOD...this is so scarey .my heart aches 4 these families..angel hugs n angel prayers 2 u all..

[@shawnwithers3305]

Heart Braking

[@sexylill123]

So sad omg lord...

[@lucyross3318]

I thought it was all women because of cost alone of the medical system. Even in Canada Medical system is horrible, seems you need stand guard to be sure family members not being neglected and still die.

[@Rchelle_YAHsdaughter]

Did you see those stats? Noooo, not all women... B L A C K women.

[@daa4309]

What is happening today in America concerning childbirth? Back in the day, many women had well over 4 children. My grandmother had 13 -14 children and none of them were twins or multiples. So what is different today concerning OB/GYN care? Seems like if I go to a foreign country I will get better results. I may consider this option. I'm so sorry for Mr. Johnson's and his sons' loss. This was very heartbreaking to hear. Thank GOD the other two women and their babies survived.

[@kcmaldonado3948]

Overpopulation. Same reason they're pushing same-sex everything so as to encourage people to not reproduce.

[@wendimills4232]

I would of got so crazy irate!!!🤬with them doctors and nurses if my Family or friend was bleeding to death Rest in peace kara🙏you seemed like such a beautiful amazing woman

[@WilliamsClan_9]

When I had my son in 2019 I thought I was going to die. I couldn't breathe and kept asking for someone to help me. They gave me an oxygen mask and I was so scared and nervous. I looked at my husband and said "help me". I never experienced anything like this with my other children it was the worst experience ever. The pedaon who I thought would deliver had some young white Doctor over me,but she wasn't around much. The nurses did everything. Lastly,they gave me benadryl for me to deliver I fell asleep of course and woke up to my husband yelling the baby head is hanging out. My doctor went to lunch so he grabbed anybody he could to help us. Mind you I had an epidural so I couldn't feel much. Sn: I got an epidural shot twice because supposedly the first one went in my spine which I found out later. Anyhow,a nurse came in and held my hand and was trying to help me stay calm she seen the head and said "oh my goodness". I was pushing with her help then here comes my doctor and nurses. Few pushes he was completely out but quiet. Finally a cry and I started crying and the nurse that helped me hugged me and apologized bcus we both know that was a serious situation I was in. I was scared and helpless in that moment. The nurse that helped me was a white woman as well and she was so sympathetic towards me. I delivered my son at Atlanta Medical and I thought I wouldn't make it out of there within my experience. I ahd 4 children prior to him and all my delieveres were smooth. My doctors were there for me and came in and let me know what's was happening. I have a black and white doctors and I can say it really depends on the person and how they view you. Thank God my husband don't care how anyone views him because who knows if he didn't say anything when i couldn't be a voice. I feel for this family situation is so sad. And that doctor is brishing off the real issue at hand. This man is not to blame at all I totally get why he didn't flip out on them. We are already sterotyped in to what the world thinks. I just hope it all gets better as time goes on. Could also be a way into scaring black woman into having children.

[@kayabe856]

100% AVOIDABLE!! Makes no sense at all! I know people gravitate to the medical field because of money..but if your heart is not in it GET OUT!! It could save a life! I’m about to graduate with my BS in Nursing..my plan is to become a midwife..I’m gonna make a difference. This is heartbreaking. 😢

[@shesonyoutube]

Please do🙏🏼

[@saleemahmuhammad6656]

The difference is the way Black women are treated. The medical staff does not provide the necessary care for them just because they are Black. It looks as if they really do not want to treat Black patients.

[@annawyatt5725]

Im biracial (black & white) and im pregnant im scared 😱 i dont wanna dieeeeeee 😭😭😭😭😭

[@issaclown3447]

U ok momma?

[@Rchelle_YAHsdaughter]

Say NO to flu shots.

[@pamv.stafford3240]

This is so darn infuriating!

[@carolinatopdawg3650]

I need his IG. My sister died last year the same way

[@ruxanajewoon517]

The worst thing for a nurse to witness is maternal n baby death.Too sad

[@ashiacameron]

Beloved ❤

[@azariasmariachristinejaime100]

This can happen to any woman's God bless you and your beautiful babies and families 😥😥😥

[@sunflowerthegoddess1737]

Serena Williams told a similar story . About her birthing experience . She went to the medical staff . And clearly articulated what was wrong with her . AND WHAT SHE NEEDED FROM THEM ‼️ And their egos made them feel . That THEY knew more and better than she did ! About her own body 🙄 . Which is something that I'll never understand . YOU have been living in your body . For as long as you've been alive . Day in and day out for , let's say , for 32 years . But these people think that because they've been educated . And somebody gave them a title . That says I'm a very important person 🙄 . They think that means that they KNOW more about your body . Than you do ! I think in Serena's case though . Somebody decided it would be better for them . To air on the side of caution . And concede to her demands . Yeah she maybe black . And we have our usual protocol for that . But in this case . She's also rich and very FAMOUS !!! This woman has the power . To have the media on a grand scale . Outside our door in 10 minutes ‼️ If we don't act right this time .

[@JudahMourning144]

They will pay and don't realize it this is not our rest family but our test.

[@A-gameOrtega3]

All Praises to The Most High!

[@TheMsheather86]

Yes racism is a factor however it's the pitocin and epidural that causes the hemorrhage.. It impacts the uterus to not be able to contract and stop the blood flowing... Also black women take 2 maybe even 3 b complex vitamins, selenium and vitamin e and c to protect your heart if you are pregnant these steps will save your life.. 🙏🏽

[@sheenab7882]

I do agree that racism is a factor. But, in addition to inducing labor, Pitocin is used to stop bleeding by causing the uterus to contract. Retained placentas, lacerations to the uterus or bladder, premature placenta separation, and ruptured uterus causes bleeding. I am doing research on the cause of maternal mortality in black women.

[@EchoDot-dj9qz]

@@sheenab7882 good luck hope to read it soon.

[@raerae3844]

The Doctor who sarcastically plays down the race issue behind it. You said your Indian. With your snide remarks, I consider you to be part of the problem.

[@simplyroyalty7458]

Indians can be racist too. They have racism in India. The lighter ones hate the darker skins. She sounded racist AF. I took note of her name. Due to her nonchalant attitude I will cancel all Indian health providers as well. All race think they better than black people such a damn shame when we all bleed red.

[@gretaholmes783]

I BLED OUT WITH MY SON- Bot NOT the 2nd pregnancy with daughter. It’s possible.

[@gabriellavictory3080]

President Trump recently allocated 50 million in funding to decrease maternal mortality.

[@swyssakaimani8672]

Tjod is so sad

[@nishio77]

Omg 😭

[@roxannewright3866]

Slavery was abolished in 1807. Its this society that a change is needed. If it was Cuba what would have been the story.

[@blackroyalness9780]

People are so damn ignorant wtf is wrong with this worth they hate us so bad for wat? If they know wtf to do why don’t they do it

[@chillrelax4739]

I quote: "The only difference is the color of one's skin".....oh yes, for sure....

[@starmai2458]

So SAD...racism - when will it end in every facet of the BLACK life?????????

[@marymeeks6680]

Sounds like medical racism

[@ashez2ashes]

Why are humans so bad at having kids in general. Back before modern medicine having a kid was like Russian roulette It doesn't seem to be as bad for other species.

[@tempestsonata1102]

Our pelvis has adapted to walking on two legs. What we have gained with nimble hands we have lost in much more difficult childbirth. And human babies are overlarge, especially with modern supplements and vitamins.

[@A-gameOrtega3]

THIS IS NOT A HUMAN ISSUE. PLEASE TAKE YOUR GLOBALIST QUESTIONS ELSEWHERE.

[@ankra12]

Different bodies?

[@honeyspoonbeewrangler4550]

Why aren't there more blacks becoming medical professionals as to create hospitals that are black focused?? only curious. If there are far more issues of autoimmune. For as if you have one autoimmune, you are at risk for more. If blacks have a need of more focus than their counterparts, why aren't blacks creating these special hospitals. This doesn't need racism focus it needs extra specialized medical focus for the black race. Serious as serious can be, why aren't the black community going into creating these special places. Even your colleges for this purpose could be a focused care college. Get yourselves together and make it happen!!!

[@arusha6]

The medical school admissions process is a struggle in itself. All the way down to the cost of applications. I believe the system is designed to push out minorities.

[@cu5864]

Well you're not wrong but I don't think there are enough black people in the medical industry to have a black hospital in every city. Let's not foget that there are more whites than blacks, that's just a fact. Also, I think the bigger problem is that if white medical staff are not willing to give the same amount of care to black women, why do they admit them at all? I mean, if you're saying that doctors and nurses don't need to give quality service to black women, why wouldn't they put a disclaimer up on their walls stating that they will let pregnant black women die because they're the wrong skin color? That's what they used to do.

[@tropicalstrings]

But I see many black people with a higher pain level. i see my black friends taking hot pots by hand, wich I cannot even come close too. Without instant operation I would have been dead too.

[@gabyhernandez9968]

Why is this black and white colored problem. How about latinos ?? We are a minority as well.

[@biancajones7797]

Have you heard of healthy latino women dying in large numbers after childbirth? I haven't

[@JaiciLuvinIt]

Simple Styles your comment is disgusting. No reason to say that to her. You sound just like the racists.

[@laurennicole4565]

Why is it all the time when one issue is talked about regarding black people, here comes every other minority talking about “what about me?” They are not saying this isn’t an issue amongst other women, they said pregnancy fatalities are dangerously high in general in the U.S amongst all women but the rates of deaths among black women, are still way higher.

[@northstar5072]

Shut up. 🙄

[@simplyroyalty7458]

Latinos ? Minority where ? 😅 And dying from child birth? Where? When I see latinos usually average 5 babies. This black woman in this video has one and almost died and won't try again. Please stop trying to downplay the problem that is affecting black women by injecting about yourself.

[@lukevillarreal973]

i looked through a lot of these videos and the comments have been turned off ...Why? are people afraid of taking responsibility? The birthrate for children was better in 1850 than today ...today ...its twice as bad ...the reason? Women are less healthy ...the director of women's health in North Carolina looks like she weighs 400 lbs ....what is she doing in that position? why doesn't anyone blame the obesity problem? remember ...women are having heart attacks while giving birth... or blame drug use? Black women use drugs at a far greater rate ...the conclusion of a lot of these videos is that it is white peoples fault ...these people putting the stories together probably have burgers pizza ice cream chips and soda on their desk and blaming someone else. TAKE RESPONSBILITY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@allisonlew4508]

KiRA wasn't overweight.

[@allisonlew4508]

KiRA was very healthy.

[@cu5864]

So how many overweight black women are dying in childbirth and how many fat white women aren't? What statistic says black women use drugs at "far greater rates" than other races of women? Lol. That's odd, I'm a black woman and I haven't consumed burgers, pizza, ice cream, chips, or soda in months. I guess the real question is if you have such a disdain for black women why would you click on the video?

[@raggedyannred]

Shut up. She wasn't a drug addiction. Stop blaming the unnecessary deaths of black women on drug use. Black women are more likely to die due to negligence regardless of socioeconomic status, etc.