Mortality After Childbirth Among Black Persons in Ontario: A Call for Better Race-Based and Sociodemographic Data

Racial disparities in obstetric outcomes are well-documented internationally, with Black persons facing significantly higher risks of maternal mortality, but Canadian data remain limited. We investigated the causes of death among 20 Black birthing persons over a 10-year period in Ontario, Canada. Efforts to advance and monitor equity in perinatal health require improved collection, use, and governance of sociodemographic and social determinants of health data, including race data. This is essential for decision-making within and outside the health system to drive impactful change. The Better Outcomes Registry & Network (BORN) Ontario is involved in initiatives to raise awareness and advocate for advancing health equity and welcomes collaboration with communities, people with lived experience, clinicians, and organizations empowered for change.