The tragic story of Shalon Irving's death after childbirth, highlighted in the 'Code Switch' episode "This Racism Is Killing Me Inside", exemplifies the issue of disproportionately high maternal mortality rates among Black women in the United States.

As the episode explains, this phenomenon is linked to the concept of 'weathering' - the chronic stress experienced by Black Americans due to racial oppression that wears down the body over time. This chronic stress can contribute to adverse health outcomes, even for educated and wealthy Black mothers like Shalon Irving.

The 'The Will To Change: Uncovering True Stories of Diversity & Inclusion' episode "E172: Learning About Juneteenth with JBC and Blackfacts Founders Dale A. Dowdie and Ken Granderson" also briefly mentions Black maternal mortality as an example of ongoing health disparities and systemic inequalities faced by the Black community.