Every expecting parent deserves the best health care experience for a healthy pregnancy and baby. Yet our health care system does not give equal treatment to Black women and babies, resulting in higher rates of prematurity, low birthweight, and even death. These rates are far higher than other racial and ethnic groups.

We can’t accept this. Together, we have the power to make change and preserve San Diego’s Black Legacy Now, where Black families are healthy, safe, and thriving.

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Black infants in San Diego are nearly 3 times more likely to die than White infants. Based on comparison of African-American/Black and White 2013-2017 average infant mortality rates (8.3 vs. 2.9 deaths per 1,000 live births, respectively). Data from State of California, Department of Public Health, Center for Health Statistics and Informatics, Birth Cohort Statistical Master Files. Statistics prepared by County of San Diego, Health and Human Services Agency, Public Health Services.

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Black infants in San Diego are nearly 60% more likely to be born premature and nearly 2 times more likely to be born with low birthweight than White infants. Based on comparison of African-American/Black and White 2016-2018 average preterm birth rates (11.2% vs. 7.2%, respectively) and low birth weight rates. Data from State of California, Department of Public Health, Center for Health Statistics and Informatics, California Comprehensive Birth Files. Statistics prepared by County of San Diego, Health and Human Services Agency, Public Health Services

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California’s Black mothers are over 3 times more likely to die due to pregnancy or delivery complications than White mothers. Based on comparison of African-American/Black and White 2014-2018 average maternal and late maternal mortality rates (55.2 vs. 16.5 deaths per 100,000 live births, respectively). Data from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Center for Health Statistics, Division of Vital Statistics, Underlying Cause of Death 1999-2018 and Natality public-use data 2007-2018, on CDC WONDER Online Database. Accessed at http://wonder.cdc.gov on Jun 9, 2020


These disparities persist irrespective of factors such as the mother’s income or education.  Based on comparison of African-American/Black and White 2013-2017 average infant mortality rates (8.3 vs. 2.9 deaths per 1,000 live births, respectively). Data from State of California, Department of Public Health, Center for Health Statistics and Informatics, Birth Cohort Statistical Master Files. Statistics prepared by County of San Diego, Health and Human Services Agency, Public Health Services.

The Perinatal Equity Initiative (PEI).

In response to these longstanding disparities, California’s governor authorized funding for the Perinatal Equity Initiative (PEI) within the California Department of Public Health, and charged counties to address the root causes of these disparities, create interventions, and coordinate community planning and awareness. The VISION of the San Diego Perinatal Equity Initiative is for all African-American families to be healthy, safe, and thriving. Its MISSION is to improve birth and maternal health outcomes for African-American families in San Diego County by changing the systems that contribute to social injustices, economic disparities, and racial and health inequities. All models in the PEI campaign are local community members.

No matter your racial background, you know these inequities are unjust and inexcusable. Help address these disparities among women and babies, and work to preserve San Diego's Black Legacy Now. Explore this site for how you can make a difference.

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