Health Affairs March 23, 2023
There is growing concern nationally about the threat that climate change poses to maternal health through the increase in global temperatures, extreme weather events, and the emission of greenhouse gases. Air pollution and heat have both been linked to adverse birth outcomes such as preterm birth, low birthweight, and stillbirth. Wildfires, hurricanes, and floods are associated with preterm births. Furthermore, pregnant women who experienced Hurricane Katrina were more likely to suffer from depression and post-traumatic stress disorder than pregnant women who did not experience hurricanes. The threat of climate change also has racial/ethnic disparity implications. Low-income individuals and racial/ethnic minorities, especially Black Americans and Black pregnant people, are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Redlining practices and the...
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