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.

A study investigating the high rates of maternal mortality and morbidity among Black women in Los Angeles County, where they are four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes, focused on transportation as a key barrier to care.

Through a survey of 235 Black women conducted with Black Women for Wellness, the research found that a lack of personal vehicles, limited public transit, and difficulty securing rides are significant obstacles.

These transportation barriers directly contribute to delayed or missed prenatal appointments, highlighting an urgent need for policy and systems-level changes to improve transportation access and reduce these health disparities.