Title: Addressing Health Disparities in Maternal Mortality: A Research Journey with Jasmine Mack
By Lee Cannon
Jasmine Mack, M.P.H., M.S., a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Cambridge in Cambridge, England, and NIEHS research fellow, is on a mission to tackle maternal mortality by investigating hypertension during pregnancy. This condition poses serious risks to both the birthing person and baby, including preeclampsia and preterm delivery. Mack is particularly concerned about the disparities in maternal health outcomes among Black, Latinx, and Indigenous pregnant individuals in the U.S. compared to those of European descent.
Growing up with dreams of becoming a pediatrician, Mack’s path shifted towards public health during her undergraduate studies at Emory University. With a Master’s in Public Health and a Master’s in Science in biostatistics, she is now part of the NIH Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Program, splitting her time between Cambridge and North Carolina. Through her research, Mack uses data from both the U.S. and the U.K. to uncover trends in hypertensive disorders and pregnancy outcomes, aiming to identify genetic markers for early detection of complications.
Mack emphasizes the importance of addressing the disparities in obstetrics care, especially in underserved areas known as “obstetrics deserts.” These regions lack access to emergency obstetric care, leading to tragic outcomes for pregnant individuals. Despite the advancements in other fields of health research, obstetrics remains underfunded and under-researched, lagging behind in understanding pregnancy and reproductive health.
By leveraging data from international cohort studies and collaborating with researchers in different disciplines, Mack aims to shed light on the causes of adverse pregnancy outcomes and health inequities. Her ultimate goal is to create a global consortium of data to guide interventions and improve outcomes for pregnant individuals worldwide. As she continues her research and pursues a career in medicine, Mack also plans to become a certified doula to enhance her support for mothers during childbirth.
In conclusion, Jasmine Mack’s dedication to addressing health disparities in maternal mortality through her research and clinical work is a crucial step towards improving outcomes for all pregnant individuals, especially those historically excluded from research. By combining genetics, epidemiology, and public health, Mack’s efforts have the potential to reshape the way we approach pregnancy care and reduce racial and ethnic disparities in maternal health.
