Maternal mortality rate higher for Black women in TN, doctors say
by: Jessica Knox
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Two children have to grow up without their mother after issues during labor. WREG spoke with a doctor who explained why black women are at a higher risk.
Tiarra O’Neal died after having her son Jaycion McGhee. Now, he and his big brother must grow up with only their father.
Tiarra’s twin sister, Timarra O’Neal, said the mother had a doctor’s appointment on May 28.
“Her blood pressure was extremely high and so they were going to go ahead and take the baby,” said Timarra. “She was so excited to see her son and never got to see him.”
The mother was almost full-term but had to have an emergency C-section. During that procedure, Timarra says her sister suffered from a seizure.
“That night I received a phone call from my uncle saying, ‘Your sister had the baby, but it’s not looking good for her,’” said Timarra.
Timarra immediately drove from Jackson, Mississippi. She spent days, and weeks by her sister’s side until her final day on June 14.
“I broke down because I was like, ‘No.’ She went to her doctor’s appointment, she had her baby, and now you are telling me later tonight there’s nothing you can do for her?” said Timarra.
Unfortunately, this is four times more likely to happen for Black women in Tennessee, according to Health and Free Tennessee.
Confidential Care Mobile Ministry, Executive Director, Cathy Waterbury explained why.
“Education is always the key, access to health care, healthy eating, and high blood pressure post-delivery can be a very serious thing,” said Waterbury.
Research by Johns Hopkins Hospital also linked the shocking numbers to racism.
Waterbury says it’s going to take everyone to help lower the number. “There is much work to be done.”
“Let them know what’s going on with you, even if they try to brush you off. You can always find another doctor,” said Timarra.
The family has created a GoFundMe to help with funeral expenses.
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