MATERNAL MORTALITY OF BLACK WOMAN IN BRAZIL FROM 2018 TO 2021/OBITOS MATERNOS DE MULHERES NEGRAS NO BRASIL DE 2018 A 2021/MUERTES MATERNAS DE MUJERES NEGRAS EN BRASIL DE 2018 A 2021

Introduction: The maternal mortality of black women in Brazil is an extremely relevant issue. Teixeira et al. (2012) pointed out that black women were 5.13 times more likely to die from "maternal death" when compared to white women in the state of Mato Grosso between 2000 and 2006. The Ministry of Health's 2023 epidemiological bulletin states that 70% of inadequate prenatal care in Brazil is among black/brown women. Objectives: To quantitatively describe the maternal deaths of black women in Brazil. Methodology: A cross-sectional, descriptive study with a quantitative approach, carried out using data collected from the Information Technology Department of the Unified Health System (DATASUS). The variables analyzed were the number of maternal deaths in black women by Brazilian region and between white and black color/race, from 2018 to 2021. Descriptive statistical analysis was used in the study and the maternal mortality rate was calculated. Results: A total of 825 maternal deaths in black women were observed in Brazil. Of these, 154 were recorded in 2018, 154 in 2019, 196 in 2020 and 321 in 2021. As for the regions of Brazil, 60 were in the North, 60 in the Midwest, 78 in the South, 222 in the Northeast and 405 in the Southeast. Nationally, the maternal mortality rate was 62.15 per 100,000 white women and 116.5 per 100,000 black women. Discussion: The study reveals a significant increase in the number of maternal deaths among black women in Brazil, as well as a higher maternal mortality rate among black women. According to Leal, 2017, worse prenatal and childbirth indicators were identified in black and brown women. The review by Carmo et al, 2021 states that access to health is difficult and precarious for black women, thus, it is possible to evidence a vulnerability in this population, which still faces racial barriers in access to health. Conclusion: The growing number of maternal deaths among black women in Brazil and the disparity in care by color require greater concern. Health care policies are needed to reduce preventable maternal deaths and socio-racial disparities in the care of pregnant women in Brazil. Keywords: Maternal mortality; black population; cross-sectional studies. Introducao: A mortalidade materna de mulheres negras no Brasil e um assunto de extrema relevancia. Teixeira et al. (2012) apontou que as mulheres de cor preta tinham 5,13 vezes mais chances de morrer por "morte materna" quando comparadas as mulheres brancas no estado de Mat