Racial disparities affecting the reproductive health of African-American women.

Until African Americans make a conscious decision to gain control of the social and economic context in which they live, and assume primary responsibility for their health, the reproductive disparities and associated deaths experienced by African-American women will persist. There is truly a need for continued clinical, epidemiologic, and molecular investigations into the problems. Ultimately, however, the permanent elimination of reproductive health disparities will require a social movement, led by members of the target population, informed by the findings of evidenced-based medicine, and fueled by a desire to raise the standard of living of the African-American community. As this occurs, all women will benefit.