By: Boya Hu

It is hard to believe that one of the fastest female runners in the world died last month at the young age of 32. Thankfully, the cause of her death is now known: Bowie was 8 months pregnant and likely died due to complications from childbirth.

According to NPR, Bowie was found dead in her bed alone at home. Doctors believe that Bowie died from natural causes. Associate Medical Examiner Chantal Njiwaji wrote in her autopsy report that Bowie was undergoing labor when she had passed away. Her toxicology report came back negative.

Bowie was an African American. This means that mean she could face a higher risk of preeclampsia and eclampsia than white mothers. Eclampsia is like preeclampsia, which is a disorder related to high blood pressure during pregnancy.

Additionally, the challenges of being a mother are quite serious for athletes. Olympic athlete Allyson Felix said in a TED talk that, “Just last year she was scared enough to train in the dark so no one could see the life inside of her.’’ According to World Health Organization, almost 700 women die each year from childbirth and pregnancy. Over half a million women die each year from pregnancy related causes,99% in low and middle income countries. Overall, 10% to 15% of direct maternal deaths are associated with eclampsia and preeclampsia.

Bowie’s death was a tragedy to her and her family. Women risk their lives to give birth to our children. We need to invest more in health care for pregnant women, especially in those who are in low income countries