Reviews
Addressing Perinatal Mental Health Equity for Marginalized Birthing People in the US: A Scoping Review
Black birthing people in the United States (U.S.) are 3-4 times more likely to die from pregnancy complications than non-Hispanic whites and have the highest proportion of severe morbidity of all birthing people. Similar disparities exist for other marginalized birthing people. Increased attention has been directed toward developing strategies to address certain health disparities; however, mental health disparities among birthing people have been overlooked. Evidence demonstrates that perinatal mental health—when considered—significantly contributes to mortality and morbidity. Therefore, exploring the unique considerations and strategies used to enhance perinatal mental health equity is critical. The purpose of this review is to evaluate current strategies used to improve perinatal mental health equity for marginalized U.S. birthing populations.
Addressing Perinatal Mental
Health Equity for Indigenous
Birthing People in the US
Present literature indicates that indigenous birthing individuals are at an increased risk of experiencing substance use disorders, anxiety, and depression during the perinatal period. While indigenous birthing individuals have a greater likelihood of experiencing perinatal health disorders, they along with other minority birthing groups, are also statistically less likely to seek help. While it is known that disparities exist and current systems to serve indigenous groups are missing the mark, little is understood about the consideration and proposed interventions in place to further mental health equity for this population. The goal of this scoping review is to synthesize literature that discusses the unique challenges indigenous birthing populations experience in the US healthcare system and further map literature on health equity strategies to minimize perinatal mental health disparities for this group.
Perinatal Mental Health Provisions
for Birthing People Impacted by the Carceral State: A Scoping Review
Birthing persons face unique health barriers that are exacerbated by racial disparities. These racial disparities are most apparent within our criminal legal (CL) system, a legacy of oppression and discrimination against Black populations in the United States. The CL system is not typically conceptualized as a structural or social determinant of health, but in fact, it’s potentially one of our most important indicators of well-being at multiple levels: it disproportionately impacts people of color, tears apart families and reinforces cycles of poverty and socioeconomic disadvantage. The United States incarcerates more people than any other country. One year spent in prison correlates with two years of life lost from general life expectancy...