Mothers and babies are dying from pregnancy related complications across the country and in North Carolina. The rates for Black moms and babies are much higher. The US has the worst maternal death rate compared to all wealthy countries. North Carolina ranks among the 10 worst states for infant deaths.

The latest WRAL documentary “Critical Term: Why are Black mothers and babies dying” shines a light on the maternal and infant health crisis. Investigative documentary reporter Cristin Severance and WRAL anchor and reporter Julian Grace set out to understand why this is happening. Julian talks with Cristin about why they chose this topic and the incredible work happening in North Carolina to save moms and babies.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This episode contains a reference to the maternal and infant mortality study Fighting at Birth. The research compares the maternal health outcomes between Black women with doctorates and white women who never finished high school not white women who never went to high school as misstated in the episode. https://socialequity.duke.edu/portfolio-item/fighting-at-birth-eradicating-the-black-white-infant-mortality-gap/