Date of Graduation

Summer 2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Public Administration (DPA)

Department

Public Policy and Administration

Committee Chairperson

Allison Turner, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Angela Kline, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Kristen Crossney, Ph.D.

Abstract

Health disparities in maternal health are a significant challenge to the public health of the United States, and Black women have double the morbidity and mortality rates of maternal illnesses in comparison with White women. These inequalities persist across socioeconomic levels, highlighting systemic inequities within the healthcare system. Some published studies have focused on quantitative outcomes, but few have examined Black women's lived experiences and their impact on pregnancy outcomes. This paper fills this gap by discussing the maternity care experiences of Black women in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Drawing on Critical Race Theory and Intersectionality Theory, this qualitative phenomenological study explored the roles of systemic racism, provider bias, and structural barriers in shaping the maternal healthcare experience. Data collection was conducted through semi-structured interviews with ten Black women who delivered their babies between 2020 and 2025. The thematic coding was used to analyze the data, which was assisted by reflexive practices to provide credibility. The results demonstrate that both positive relationships and cases of neglect and perceived discrimination are characteristic of maternity care services. The major themes were trust and mistrust within the healthcare system, delayed or avoided healthcare, emotional stress, and the need for patient advocacy. The main structural inequities are caused by provider bias, communication barriers, and lack of diversity. The research also reveals that these experiences affect pregnancy outcomes by influencing emotional well-being, healthcare decisions, and trust. As shown in the findings, living experiences are crucial to equitable maternal healthcare practice and policy.

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