Examining Disparities of Maternal Health for African American Women

Authors

Avari Holden, Thomas Jefferson UniversityFollow

Document Type

Presentation

Publication Date

7-18-2024

Comments

Presentation: 18:30

Abstract

African American women experience extreme maternal health disparities. The purpose of this study is to examine these disparities, spread awareness and introduce policies and recommendations that can improve maternal health for African American women. To accurately examine maternal health, diligent research on the history of African American women was imperative. It is evident that racism, the social determinants of health, and medical concerns have a huge effect on the maternal health of African American women. Racism is a barrier, and it is deeply rooted in healthcare which causes systemic racism, and the discrimination of the African American population. White supremacy has been sustained through processes and laws that were established to allot resources that were aimed at improving opportunities and wealth to whites. Negative stereotypes of African American women have also added to these barriers. Racism was used to create surgical techniques and therapies for reproductive health. During the 19^th century, multiple experimental surgeries were done on African American women without consent, which caused an ongoing disbelief that that is acceptable, and that African American women have high pain tolerance. This institutionalized and systemic racism has contributed to African American women receiving inadequate care, mistrust with physicians and providers, dissatisfaction of care, and ineffective communication with providers. Inadequate care is associated with mistimed or less treatment and intervention. Structural racism refers to the way systems are arranged and structured to generate racial inequalities. The social determinants of health and social conditions are responsible for racial disparities in health which have a direct effect on maternal health. In conclusion, racism is deeply embedded in the United States, and instead of trying to erase or forget that part of history, it needs to be fixed. Spreading awareness and shining light on the truth of what African American women endure is essential. Maternal health for African American women needs to a priority. African American women need access to the necessary and appropriate care to live healthy lives, to improve their maternal health.

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Language

English