Assessing Transportation Barriers to Maternal Care for Black Women in Los Angeles County

Rebecca O. Usigbe, Zanobia R. Ibrahim-Watkins, Astrid Williams, Sylvie Wilson, Zoe Cunliffe, Gabrielle Brown, Tianna Shaw-Wakeman and Regan F. Patterson ()
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Rebecca O. Usigbe: Institute of Society and Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
Zanobia R. Ibrahim-Watkins: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
Astrid Williams: California Black Health Network, Sacramento, CA 95814, USA
Sylvie Wilson: California Black Health Network, Sacramento, CA 95814, USA
Zoe Cunliffe: Black Women for Wellness, Los Angeles, CA 90008, USA
Gabrielle Brown: Black Women for Wellness, Los Angeles, CA 90008, USA
Tianna Shaw-Wakeman: Black Women for Wellness, Los Angeles, CA 90008, USA
Regan F. Patterson: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 9, 1-12

Abstract: The United States ranks among the worst high-income countries for maternal health outcomes, with Black women experiencing disproportionately high and alarming rates of maternal mortality and morbidity. In Los Angeles County, Black women are four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than women of other racial and ethnic groups. These disparities may partially be attributed to social determinants of health, including transportation access. Lack of transportation can hinder access to healthcare, with significant consequences for reproductive health. This study investigates how transportation barriers affect Black birthing people’s access to maternal healthcare in Los Angeles. In partnership with Black Women for Wellness, we conducted a descriptive, observational study using an online survey completed by 235 respondents, all of whom self-identified as women. Findings reveal that Black women in Los Angeles face substantial transportation barriers when seeking maternal healthcare, including limited public transportation, lack of personal vehicles, and challenges in securing rides. Many participants reported that these issues caused delayed or missed prenatal appointments. These results underscore the urgent need for policy interventions and systems-level solutions to improve transportation access. Addressing these barriers is essential for reducing maternal health disparities and improving outcomes for Black women.

Keywords: transportation access; public health; black maternal health; racial health disparities; environmental justice (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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