Rock County has the highest racial disparity in pre-term births in Wisconsin, and a Beloit College professor wants to research what’s causing it.

Visiting assistant professor Helen Werner is recruiting African American mothers for a study on how racism and historical trauma affects birth outcomes.

The average rate of pre-term birth for Black women in Rock County was 15.5 percent, while white women were down around 9 percent in 2018.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says pre-term births increase the risk of death or serious disabilities for babies and can have long-term effects on their health.

Werner will have volunteers fill out two surveys: one about their experiences giving birth and one called the African American Historical Trauma Questionnaire. Those who complete both surveys will be paid $20 for their participation.

She asks interested participants to email BirthStudy2020@beloit.edu for more information.