Black Maternal Health in
South Carolina
What You Need to Know
During pregnancy and giving birth, Black women in South Carolina are more likely to have major health problems.
With the right help and knowledge, many of these problems can be avoided. It is not just doctors and hospitals that take care of mothers' health. It is also about getting help from family, friends, and the community.
Learn the Data
8th
SC ranks
highest in the U.S. for maternal deaths
2x
more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than White women
Black women in SC
94
Women in rural areas are
percent more likely to die from pregnancy than women in cities
90
percent of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable with the right care at the right time
Almost
Leading causes of pregnancy-related deaths for Black women in South Carolina:
heart problems, high blood pressure, heavy bleeding, and infection.
Everyone has a role in protecting mothers.
To learn more about Black maternal health in South Carolina, check out these sites.
Hear Her Campaign
March of Dimes
SC Report Card
For More Information
Resources
If you or someone you know is pregnant or has given birth in the past year and needs support, explore these resources for help.
Please note that this is not a complete list, and available services may vary by county and individual needs. Inclusion on this page does not mean a formal partnership and is provided for informational purposes only.
Support for anxiety, depression, and mood changes during pregnancy and after birth, including groups and a helpline
​​​
National
Find and apply for programs like Medicaid, WIC, SNAP, child care, and early childhood services.
​
Statewide
A 5 to 6 week in person support group for moms with babies 0 to 3 months, led by a postpartum doula, focused on sleep, feeding, bonding, and community
​
Charleston
8 week classes for new moms and babies
​
Greenville
Provides prenatal care, addiction treatment, mental health services, and peer support for pregnant women with substance use disorders
​
Greenville & Oconee
pairs registered nurses with first-time, low-income mothers for regular home visits during pregnancy and until the child turns two, helping improve health, parenting, and family stability
​
Statewide
Free home visiting program that supports families from pregnancy to age five with parenting support, developmental screenings, and school readiness
​
Statewide
Find low cost health centers and medical care near them
​​​
National
Free or low cost medical care for uninsured South Carolinians
​
Statewide
​​
supports families with babies in the NICU and raises awareness about premature birth
​
Greenville, Columbia, Florence, Kingstree
Provides home visits, pregnancy and postpartum support, and care coordination for mothers and babies
​
Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Hampton, Orangeburg
A community garden in Hyatt Park that provides fresh food, gardening space, and educational programs for families in North Columbia
​
Columbia
offers help with child care costs for low income and working families
​
Statewide
Food Banks
Coming soon
Information on serious maternal health warning signs and what to do if they happen during pregnancy or after birth
​
National
An online mental health platform for Black women and girls that offers a therapist directory, podcast, and culturally relevant mental health resources
​
National
provides free mental health and substance use support for pregnant and postpartum individuals through telehealth and provider support
​
Statewide
provides free doula care, supports healthy birth outcomes, and promotes early childhood development for Black families
​
Low-Country
helps families with young children find support for development, behavior, and learning, including screenings and connections to local services
​
Statewide
supports pregnant women with diabetes through coordinated care, specialists, nurse support, and community health workers
​
Statewide
Young Mom Support Programs
​​
AIM4TM
Aiken County
​
Young Moms Together
Charleston
​
Ruth House
Columbia
Time Served SC
Coming Soon
free, confidential 24/7 support for pregnant and new mothers, or call or text 988 for mental health or suicide crisis support
​
National
Provides financial support to help Black women access therapy services
​
National
supports mothers facing postpartum depression and anxiety through awareness, art therapy meet-ups, and community connection
​
Charleston
Diaper Banks
Bundles of Joy
Low-Country
​
Power in Changing
Midlands
​
United for Baby
Statewide
supports fathers through job training, parenting education, and legal guidance to strengthen families and reduce father absence
​
Statewide
supports single and teen mothers with baby supplies, parenting support, and mentorship during a baby’s first months of life
​
Pee Dee
Guided Beginnings
supports high-risk pregnant women with care coordination, home visits, and support from pregnancy through a baby’s first year
​
Greenwood & Abbeville
Contact Us
Know a group supporting Black families in SC that should be listed?
Email us at info@notussc.org.