A Call to Action: An Occupational Therapy Approach to Address Maternal Mortality and Racial Inequities

Maternal mortality in the United States has been rising, with more than 80% of these deaths occurring during the postpartum period (Georgia Department of Public Health [GDPH], 2023). Black women face pregnancy-related deaths that are up to three times higher than White women, exacerbated by structural racism, social determinants or drivers of health (SDoH), and limited access to quality care, particularly in rural areas and maternity-care deserts (Hill et al., 2024; Hoyert, 2023). The Occupational Therapy Practice Framework: Domain and Process (OTPF-4; American Occupational Therapy Association, 2020) highlights the profession’s potential to improve health and quality of life, which are essential in addressing these disparities.