(WAND) - Black Maternal Health Week shines a light on disparities impacting black women across the country. Last year, Mercedes and Leon Wells shared their traumatic birth story with WAND News. Now, the family says what they went through is fueling a push for change in maternal care.
The Dalton, Illinois mother said she was sent home from Franciscan Health Hospital despite being in active labor. Mercedes said the nurses ignored her tears and pain.
"She said she could feel the baby's head, but the doctor said that I [would] be discharged. I pretty much better to let me stay," Mercedes said.
Less than 30 minutes later, her husband Leon delivered their daughter on the side of the road.
"By far, it was the scariest moment of my life. You know, I know if my wife is going to be safe or I know if my baby is going to be safe," Leon said.
Now months later, the couple is speaking out during black maternal health week to make sure no other family has to experience the same thing.
"I understand that what happened to me was not an isolated event, and it's more, it's a systemic issue," Mercedes said.
Health advocates say many women share similar experiences to Mercedes. Tangela Enyia said Black mothers are more likely to face complications.
"Nearly 13 babies of every 1000 born to Black mothers died before their first birthday. That's twice the state rate. And so, given the seriousness of that, this week is a call to action," Eniya said.
Eniya works with Meridian Health Plan Illinois to provide resources to close the gap. She said Black mothers need to feel safe with their providers.
"When they feel safe enough to seek prenatal care and open enough and feel that their providers are listening and are trusted, advisors during their pregnancy process, that education is something that could land, something that can stick," Eniya said.
The Wells said baby Alena is a happy baby, and they will continue advocating for black maternal health. The couple started a non-profit organization, Luv to Love, aimed at advocating maternal health in the black community.
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