Maternal mortality rates in the United States have reached a critical point, made evident in a study by the NCHS. With disparities based on race and ethnicity becoming increasingly stark, Alexis Ohanian decided to take up the issue on Twitter. But it’s not just healthcare that’s to blame and Serena Williams‘ husband makes it clear. Dealing with very difficult childbirth themselves, Alexis and Serena have experienced the scare already.

While he makes a point to call out the systemic racism that is exacerbating the problem, he uses his social media platform to advocate for equality for everyone- especially black women. Tennis star Serena Williams’ husband, Alexis Ohanian, has taken to social media to express his concern over the high maternal mortality rate in the United States. Ohanian, who is also a tech entrepreneur and investor, tweeted his thoughts on the issue and highlighted the alarming disparities faced by Black women.

Alexis Ohanian sparks discussion of maternal mortality

According to a recent report by the National Center for Health Statistics, the US had the highest maternal mortality rate among high-income countries in 2018, with 17 deaths per 100,000 live births. This rate nearly doubled in 2021, with 33 deaths per 100,000 live births. The report also revealed that there are large disparities in maternal mortality rates based on race and ethnicity.

In response to these staggering statistics, Ohanian tweeted, “America, this is a crisis. And we’re failing Black women the worst (the disparity between race & ethnicity also exists when you normalize for education, wealth, etc because it’s systemic).” His tweet immediately caught the eye of netizens, especially tennis enthusiasts, who are well aware of his wife Serena’s efforts in struggling for equality and empowerment.

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Maternal mortality has been a persistent issue in the United States, especially with Black women disproportionately affected. As studies show how Black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women are, this disparity is attributed to systemic racism. This leads to bias in healthcare and inadequate access to quality care, which does not distinguish socio-economic conditions.

Serena Williams is no stranger to the struggle

As for Serena Williams, she has not yet made a public comment on her husband’s tweet. However, as a mother to a child herself, she has spoken out on numerous occasions about the importance of quality healthcare among all women.

Read more: Serena Williams, Who Faced Multiple Health Complications To Deliver Olympia, Was Extremely ‘Disappointed’ Over a Harmless Pregnancy Event

In 2018, Williams told CNN about her life-threatening complications during pregnancy. She called on lawmakers to take action to bring down the rates of maternal mortality. “We must band together to fight for what’s right,” she said.

As the conversation around maternal mortality continues, it is evident that more needs to be done to address this crisis. Ohanian’s tweet has helped to shine a light on this important issue and hopefully, it will inspire others to join the fight for change.

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