Racial disparities in birth
- Lexi Pitman
- Nov 1, 2022
- 2 min read
“Race is not a factor in health outcomes. Racism is a factor in health outcomes” - Clifton Kenon
Systemic racism is ingrained in every system you can name. From political to social to economical and even medical. Today I want to touch base on the topic of racism and discrimination in our health care system. The racial inequalities in maternity care need to be looked upon seriously and need attention.
Did you know in the US, black women are 2 to 6 times more likely to die from complications than white women? Why is this? We need to be looking deeper into the reasons for this and how to stop this statistic. Most of these pregnancies related deaths are PREVENTABLE! The death maternal mortality rate for black women is about 41 per 100,000 versus 11 per 100,000 in white women. These statistics have NOTHING to do with socioeconomic status. This is because of chronic oppression and racism. BIPOC community are often neglected and told their feelings and pain are “nothing to worry about, you are fine”. Being dismissed from concerning pain and symptoms is often what leads to complications during birth among other physiological factors.
So how can we help and make a difference? It starts with confronting racism, standing up, and always using your voice. It matters. Help the BIPOC community by supporting them. Joining someone in their doctors appointment is a wonderful example of support. You can be a second pair of eyes and witness when it comes to injustice. If you sense inequity specifically during a doctors visit have the doctor make a copy stating that they refuse to treat and diagnose you. Document everything and work on clear communication with your provider to ensure you are getting fair treatment.
Listed below are more steps we can take.
“10 STEPS TOWARD BRIDGING OUR PAINFUL RACIAL DIVIDE”
Written by Alicia Posted on ‘Not in our own town’ blog.
Here are 10 steps we can each take to step out of the shadows of silence:
Learn about other people and their culture but go beyond foods and festivals.
Explore the unfamiliar. Put yourself in situations where you are in the visible minority.
Be a proactive parent. Talk to your children candidly about race.
Don't tell or laugh at stereotypical jokes.
Think before you speak. Words can hurt whether you mean them to or not.
Be a role model and help educate others regarding your own experiences.
Don't make assumptions because they are usually wrong and stereotypes are destructive.
Consider how race and racism impact your life and those around you.
Don't let others get away with biased language or behavior- speak up and out.
Take a position against hate and take a Stand Against Racism.
Some more articles and research done on systemic racism in health care/maternal care are listed below…please take the time to read and educate yourself on whats going on. Thank you!
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