In Gary, Indiana, environmental pollution compounds severe maternal health risks for Black mothers, exacerbating already high rates of asthma and maternal mortality.
Jenae Barnes reports for Capital B News.
In short:
- Gary’s industrial history has left the city with severe environmental contamination from steel mills, impacting air quality and contributing to high asthma rates, particularly among children.
- Black mothers in Gary face one of the highest maternal mortality rates in Indiana, and many link their health challenges to industrial pollution.
- Capital B News is hosting community dialogues to bring awareness to these issues, engage residents and advocate for improved maternal health care.
Key quote:
"I’m the Black mother of a child who’s born into a health disparity with no other option and no other reason than because his mom, who he didn’t choose, incubated him in the city of Gary."
— Kimmie Gordon, Gary resident and environmental activist
Why this matters:
Gary’s environmental and health challenges spotlight a larger issue of environmental justice, where predominantly Black communities face compounding health risks from industrial pollution. Recognizing and addressing these disparities could lead to better policies that protect both maternal and child health in underserved communities.
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