Health Equity, Maternal Health
Adverse Birth Outcomes and Maternal Morbidity Among Afro‑Latinas and Their Infants: A Systematic Literature Review
Alexa Parra1 · Vanessa Morales2 · Cynthia N. Lebron1 · JoNell Potter2 · Yue Pan2 · Hudson P. Santos Jr1
June 8, 2026 at 1:41:11 PM
Abstract
Abstract Objectives To evaluate and synthesize research findings on adverse birth outcomes and maternal morbidity among AfroLatinas and their infants. Methods A systematic review was conducted within PubMed, Web of Science, and SCOPUS databases. Four thousand five hundred twenty-six published peer-reviewed articles from 1970 to 2023 that reported outcomes related to maternal morbidity and/or birth outcomes were screened. After screening, we assessed 22 for eligibility, and ultimately, seven studies were included for data extraction and analysis. Results Although limited, the existing studies revealed disparities in abnormal birth weight (LBW & SGA) and higher preterm birth prevalence among Afro-Latinas compared to other racial and ethnic peers. These disparities are also prevalent among U.S.-born Afro-Latinas compared to foreign-born Afro-Latinas. Conclusions By critically examining the current empirical evidence, we can gain a deeper understanding of how intersectionality impacts perinatal health outcomes among Afro-Latinas. Understanding the root causes of these outcomes through increased research is critical to preventing and reducing poor maternal and child health among Afro-Latinas, particularly those who are U.S.-born.
How does this affect Latinas living in the USA and their future generations? Why hasn't this a resolution priority in the U.S. government women's health research and policies? In a systematic review conducted through multiple databases with thousands of published peer-viewed articles during the period of 1970-2023, evaluated the literature on maternal morbidity and adverse outcomes among Black Latinas and their infants. The existing studies disclosed disparities in abnormal birth weight, such as Low Birth Weight (LBW) and Small for Gestational Age (SGA), and a prevalence of preterm births among U.S. born and foreign born Afro-Latinas. Despite the overwhelming evidence, the racialized health inequities among the Latino population are actions against humanity when the U.S. government agencies purposefully ignore public health and health inquiry research. The Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy has negatively impacted the Black maternal morbidity and mortality crisis in the U.S. based on the Trump administration anti-DEI initiatives, the HHS has removed the word "Black" from federal funding research programs that could solve the vast majority of preventable pregnancy related deaths. Black women are more likely to die from complications in pregnancy at a 97% rate within U.S. cities. The FULL COMMITTEE HEARING 👇 https://lnkd.in/dbyBn5JQ #VoteForHumanity #VoteForScientificResearch #VoteForEquailty #VoteForAccessToHealthCare #VoteForImprovedBirthOutcomes