FOP Grant Recipient Dr. Nelson on ABC7 on Black Maternal Health Week

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Black Maternal Health Week raises awareness about the health crisis many Black mothers face.

Black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than white women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

A long history of systemic racism and bias is largely to blame.

Studies show Black women are often dismissed or ignored when suffering from severe injuries or pregnancy-related complications.

The issue is not only gaining national attention, but also local. JB Pritzker called for $23 million to advance birth equity in Illinois.

This comes as Chicago makes plans to build a new birthing center on the city's South Side.

Dr. LaTasha Nelson from Northwestern Medical Group visited ABC 7 to talk more about the efforts to solve this dire issue.