Date of Graduation

5-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Sociology (MA)

Degree Level

Graduate

Department

Sociology and Criminology

Advisor/Mentor

Niño, Michael D.

Committee Member

Norton-Smith, Kathryn

Second Committee Member

Bradley, Mindy S.

Keywords

maternal health; prenatal care; racial disparities

Abstract

The United States has made significant advancements in healthcare, yet maternal mortality rates continue to rise, with pronounced racial and ethnic disparities in prenatal care (PNC) utilization. The current study examines PNC trends from 2014 to 2022 using data from the CDC WONDER Natality database, focusing on disparities across racial and ethnic groups and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings reveal a concerning decline in PNC utilization, with average visits decreasing from 11.24 in 2014 to 10.96 in 2022. Persistent racial disparities are evident, as Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic women consistently receive fewer PNC visits compared to Non-Hispanic White women. Multiracial, Hispanic, and Asian women also experience declines in PNC visits, dropping from approximately 9.5 visits in 2014 to 9.0 in 2022. Black women saw a similar decrease, from about 9.0 visits in 2014 to 8.6 in 2022. Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) women face the most severe inequities, with average visits declining from around 7.5 in 2014 to below 7 in 2022. The COVID-19 pandemic further disrupted PNC access, exacerbating existing disparities. While telehealth emerged as a critical alternative, its adoption was uneven across demographics. Hispanic, Asian, and Indigenous women reported increased telehealth use, but systemic inequities persisted, with Black and Hispanic mothers missing more prenatal visits compared to their White counterparts. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted policy interventions to address structural barriers to PNC access. Recommendations include expanding insurance coverage, enhancing telehealth infrastructure, addressing transportation challenges, and promoting culturally competent care. By highlighting these disparities over time, this study provides actionable insights for reducing preventable maternal mortality and advancing health equity across diverse demographic groups in the U.S.

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