Allyson Felix, a decorated Olympic Gold medalist, continues to draw attention to the critical issue of Black maternal health in the United States. In a recent interview with Kristen Welker from NBC’s Meet The Press, Felix candidly shared her personal experiences as a pregnant athlete and the dangers associated with being Black and pregnant.
Reflecting on her journey, Felix recounted a pivotal moment in November 2018 when she underwent an emergency c-section due to a diagnosis of preeclampsia, a life-threatening pregnancy condition. The retired Olympian emphasized the importance of awareness and education, expressing a wish that her doctors had informed her about the significance of symptoms such as swelling in her feet, particularly as a woman of color already at a higher risk for complications.
Felix highlighted the need for clear guidance, asking, “What are the signs? What can I do to help prevent this from happening?” Stressing the importance of self-monitoring, she added, “I should be taking my blood pressure at a certain point. So just being educated and being aware is huge.”
A sobering 2021 report from the CDC revealed that the mortality rate for Black women during pregnancy is nearly three times higher than that of white women. Shockingly, over 80% of pregnancy-related deaths among Black women were deemed preventable based on data from 2017 through 2019. Preeclampsia, a condition that can occur after the 20th week of pregnancy or immediately postpartum, poses a severe risk by affecting vital organs such as the liver and kidneys.
Despite Felix’s belief in receiving excellent medical care, her experience highlighted that it might not always be sufficient. “I felt like I had great medical care, but that’s not always enough,” she acknowledged. The severity of her preeclampsia symptoms raised concerns about the potential for a stroke and loss of vision.
Felix’s personal health struggles have transformed her into a passionate advocate for Black maternal health. Having testified at a House of Representatives Ways & Means Committee hearing four years ago, she addressed the racial disparities and social determinants impacting this critical issue. Felix described her own pregnancy as a “really isolating and lonely time,” as she grappled with the need to conceal her pregnancy from Nike, her primary sponsor, due to fears of contractual repercussions.
The urgency of Felix’s advocacy intensified when her former teammate, Tori Bowie, tragically passed away in May 2023 from pregnancy complications. Bowie, nearly eight months pregnant at the time of her death, prompted speculations of eclampsia, a potentially fatal condition if left untreated.
Allyson Felix’s unwavering commitment to raising awareness and championing change underscores the pressing need for comprehensive reform and support within the healthcare system, particularly for Black women navigating the complexities of pregnancy and maternal health in America.
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Fharnell M.
