Study finds progress in New Jersey maternal health efforts, but barriers remain for women of color
NEW JERSEY — A new study examining the pregnancy and postpartum experiences of women of color in New Jersey found improvements in maternal health care access but also identified persistent barriers and inequities.
The research, published in Behavioral Medicine, was conducted by community researchers working with Rutgers Health faculty and staff. The study included interviews with 96 Black and Latina women across the state who had given birth within the previous two years.
Six Black mothers served as community researchers, helping conduct interviews and participate in all stages of the research process. The study is part of a broader evaluation of Nurture NJ, the state’s initiative aimed at improving maternal and infant health and reducing disparities.
“New Jersey has made significant policy investments to improve maternal health, particularly through initiatives like Nurture NJ,” said Leslie M. Kantor, chair of the Department of Urban-Global Public Health at the Rutgers School of Public Health and lead author of the study. “This study helps us understand how these efforts are experienced by women of color, which highlights areas that need further investment.”
Researchers found that most participants were able to access prenatal care early in pregnancy and reported positive experiences with health care providers. However, some participants said they experienced discrimination or stereotyping during their care and expressed concern about being viewed as “difficult” if they raised health concerns.
“Our findings also highlighted that women actively sought clinicians who share their own racial and ethnic background, which helped participants feel safer and more respected,” Kantor said.
The study also found that some women experienced financial challenges related to co-payments, uncovered medical services and transportation costs, even when they had health insurance.
“Insurance alone does not eliminate barriers,” said Kantor. “Transposition, indirect costs and system navigation impact women’s prenatal experiences.”
Despite these challenges, many participants reported strong support networks through family members, friends and community-based organizations. Some also benefited from peer support groups and postpartum mental health services.
Participants who worked with doulas reported positive experiences, though access to doula services varied widely. Some women also reported receiving home visits from nurses through New Jersey’s Family Connects NJ program.
New Jersey has enacted more than 70 legislative and regulatory actions in recent years to address maternal and infant health disparities, including expanded postpartum insurance coverage, support for doula services and a universal nurse home visitation program.
Researchers concluded that while the state has made progress, additional efforts are needed to improve reproductive care practices, expand awareness of support services, diversify the health care workforce and address transportation barriers that can affect access to care.
