UC Berkeley

Government policies often target vulnerable communities on the premise of their socioeconomic status, race, gender, etc., and hinder their ability to attain proper resources. These discriminatory practices can have consequences that span generations when enforced upon expecting mothers that lack access to preventative care. Whether it be for education, basic needs, or even health, access is undoubtedly disproportionate. Redlining is a specific policy that has seeped its way into communities and continues to affect the socioeconomic status of hundreds of thousands of families. One aspect of health that is especially impacted is maternal and fetal health. Findings show increased health risks for mothers and an increase in potential fetal mortality in these areas. Expanding research on the topic is crucial to promoting policies and the expansion of programs that will help subside these harmful effects that pose a risk to these communities. Our environments, both physical and social, are determinants of our health and in reviewing existing literature, it is clear that where we live is vital to our livelihoods.