‘Three Times More Likely to Die’ – 6 Years After Potentially Fatal Childbirth, Serena Williams Carries the Torch for Black Women in a Stirring Message

The 23-time Grand Slam champion has given the world a strong female figure to learn from. No matter what hurdles or criticisms came towards Serena Williams, she faced them head-on and moved ahead. However, it was back in 2017, when she was giving birth to Olympia, she realized she did not have control over everything. After going through a harrowing experience, Williams paid tribute to black mothers and the struggles they go through during childbirth on the occasion of Black Maternal Health Week.

Despite having one of the most glorious tennis careers of all time, Williams considers her biggest achievement to be her daughter. However, the ‘Queen of the Court’ underwent a life-threatening condition during childbirth and, therefore, she has paid an ode to mothers like her with some heartfelt words.

Serena Williams raises her voice for black and underprivileged mothers all over the world

The American tennis legend had come face-to-face with death while giving birth to her daughter Olympia. However, Williams made sure that it does not turn into a sad saga. She sent her story out in the open and people, especially mothers all over the world, stood in solidarity with her. They shared how so many of them had gone through similar experiences.

So, as the world celebrated Black Maternal Health Week, Williams had a heartfelt yet empowering message. She took to her Instagram and posted a picture of herself with the newborn Olympia and her husband Alexis Ohanian. She stated, “I shared my birth story, and I was stunned by the outpouring of support and similar experiences women have had.”

Williams talked about the dire state of black women who have lost their lives while giving birth. She brought attention to the troubling issue as she wrote, “According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Black women in the United States are over three times more likely to die from pregnancy or childbirth-related causes.” 

However, as a true global icon, Williams was speaking on behalf of women all over the world. She stated, “But this is not just a challenge in the United States. Around the world, thousands of women struggle to give birth in the poorest countries. Every mother, everywhere, regardless of race or background deserves to have a healthy pregnancy and birth.”

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She is becoming a voice for all mothers for a reason. It was because Williams herself was caught in a moment where she was termed “crazy,” for voicing out her concern.

Serena’s struggle with a life-threatening condition after childbirth

After giving birth to Olympia, Williams suggested she should go back to her medication that prevented clotting. And when she asked the nurse to take a CAT scan, she brushed it off, citing that all the medicine was making her “talk crazy”. 

Eventually, as Williams persisted, they realized she was right. Williams underwent surgery and there was a clot that needed to be broken down before it reached her heart.

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Seeing that this was the condition of a global star, Williams realizes the fact that there are many underprivileged women who do not have the liberty to have the best healthcare like her. Therefore, she stands in solidarity with them, and opened up about a serious issue.