Finding ways to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in maternal health care

Policy solutions for addressing structural racism in maternal health disparities

NIH-funded research Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-10908630

This study is looking at how unfair treatment in healthcare affects the health of moms from different racial and ethnic backgrounds during and after childbirth, and it aims to find ways to make sure all moms get the quality care they deserve.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionColumbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-10908630 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to improve maternal health equity by investigating the impact of structural racism on severe maternal morbidity and mortality among racial and ethnic minority birthing individuals. It will utilize a mixed methods approach to assess how various factors, including Medicaid eligibility and healthcare workforce diversity, influence health outcomes. By analyzing data and conducting focus groups, the project seeks to identify effective policy interventions that can ensure equitable access to quality maternal health care for all. The ultimate goal is to inform policies that can reduce disparities and improve health outcomes for marginalized communities.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds who may be at risk for severe maternal morbidity or mortality.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or do not identify as part of a racial or ethnic minority group may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to significant improvements in maternal health outcomes for racial and ethnic minority populations.

How similar studies have performed: While the role of structural racism in health disparities is recognized, this research is among the few that empirically evaluates its impact on maternal health outcomes, making it a novel approach.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.