A new study on the health of women and children in Multnomah County found a big difference between the "haves" and the "have-nots." No surprise there.
But health experts think genes and stress might be playing a much larger role than previously believed.
The study found that women of color and women with lower incomes experience more birth problems — such as low birth weights — than their counterparts.
For example, nearly 18 percent of Portland mothers reported symptoms of depression during pregnancy. But for African-American mothers the rate was higher: 33 percent.
Multnomah County Health Officer Dr. Paul Lewis says new science shows the genes of children are significantly changed by the nutrition and stress of their mothers. And he says those stresses need to be addressed by public policy.
"We need to support young women and pregnant women, their families and the environments where they work and go to school, etc.," he said.
"It's affecting the root causes and structural forms of racism and oppression that lead to the stress."
Multnomah County officials plan to consider policy changes.