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Posted: 2024-04-12T23:18:22Z | Updated: 2024-04-12T23:18:22Z

Clayton Anderson, the husband of longtime Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleader, Krystal Anderson, who died last month after giving birth , is speaking out about his wifes death.

In an interview with ABC News posted on Thursday, Clayton Anderson discussed what it has been like mourning the loss of his wife, who was Black, as well as the importance of spreading awareness about the Black maternal mortality crisis in the U.S.

Krystal Anderson died at 40 of cardiac arrest caused by the full-body infection known as sepsis on March 20 in a Kansas hospital, after giving birth to a stillborn child, according to Clayton Anderson. The former Chiefs cheerleader previously had a stillbirth in 2022.

She was my world, my best friend and obviously the love of my life and mother to our children, Clayton Anderson said of his late wife.

He also addressed the racial disparities in maternal health outcomes, and the way health care systems treat high-risk pregnancies overall.

Krystal is 40, and shes Black, and wed had a loss before but even then, [doctors] say, you know, you cant start a plan with maternal fetal medicine or the high-risk maternity doctors until you get to week 14, he told ABC News.

He later continued: All pregnancy is high-risk ... when youre a woman of color, or youre older, and they should be treated that way from the start.

Expecting somebody whos had a loss to go four weeks in between seeing their care providers, thats the same protocol thats done for a 23-year-old thats very healthy, he added, referencing his wifes situation. It cant be a one-size-fits-all approach.

AdventHealth Shawnee Mission, where Krystal received care, released the following statement to HuffPost: Our hearts are hurting in this tragic situation. We along with the independent providers who deliver care in our facilities strive to provide the best possible care to every patient based on their specific needs and circumstances.

We extend our prayers and support to family members and loved ones experiencing the devastating loss of precious life, the statement continued.

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