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Maternal Mortality Among Black Women in Brazil: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Resource type
Title
Maternal Mortality Among Black Women in Brazil: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Abstract
Background: Maternal mortality in Brazil remains a critical indicator of social and racial inequalities, reflecting structural failures in access to and quality of obstetric care. Black women, particularly those categorized as black or brown, are at a higher risk of dying during pregnancy, childbirth, or the postpartum period. This is the result of the intersection of institutional racism, poverty, and social vulnerabilities. This study aimed to analyze trends and associated factors of maternal mortality among black women in Brazil from 2000 to 2020. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort analytical study using data from the Brazilian Mortality Information System. The sample included women aged 10 to 49 years whose underlying cause of death was classified under ICD-10 codes O00–O99. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were conducted, as well as Poisson and multinomial logistic regressions to estimate adjusted risk ratios according to skin color, education, region, type, and place of death. Results: A total of 40,907 maternal deaths were identified, with 59.2% occurring among black women. The maternal mortality ratio was 39% higher among black women compared to white women and more than double among Indigenous women. Low education, residence in the North and Northeast regions, deaths outside hospital settings, and lack of formal investigation were independently associated with increased risk. Direct obstetric causes accounted for most deaths, with hypertensive disorders and puerperal complications being the leading conditions. Conclusions: Maternal mortality among black women in Brazil reveals deep structural inequalities. Urgent public policies that incorporate an intersectional perspective, addressing race, gender, and class, are necessary to reduce disparities and ensure equitable and dignified maternal healthcare.
Publication
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Date
2026-1-09
Volume
23
Issue
1
Pages
94
Journal Abbr
Int J Environ Res Public Health
Citation Key
dossantosMaternalMortalityBlack2026
Accessed
2/5/26, 2:25 PM
PMID
41595887
PMCID
PMC12841385
ISSN
1661-7827
Short Title
Maternal Mortality Among Black Women in Brazil
Library Catalog
PubMed Central
Citation
dos Santos, G. G., Njoku, A., Mafetoni, R. R., Sanfelice, C. F. de O., Nicolau, A. I. O., Parenti, P. W., de Oliveira, C., López-Pedraza, L., Mouta, R. J. O., Zihlmann, K. F., Lima, C. F., Júnior, C. R. B., Aguiar, C. de A., Reis, C. H. R., Carvalho, J. M. das N., Dias, A. C. R. da F., Bettencourt, M. L. S., da Silva, M. A. P., Guerra, M. J. J., & Vidotti, G. A. G. (2026). Maternal Mortality Among Black Women in Brazil: A Retrospective Cohort Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 23(1), 94. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph23010094