Pregnant Black women face heightened risks due to unconscious bias within the healthcare system, leading to disparities in maternal outcomes. Instances of derogatory comments, dismissive attitudes, and insensitive care have been reported, raising concerns about systemic biases affecting the health and well-being of Black mothers and infants.
In a distressing incident at Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett, Wash., Shakima Tozay, a 37-year-old social worker, experienced derogatory remarks from a nurse while being treated for pre-eclampsia, a life-threatening pregnancy complication. The incident underscores the pervasive bias faced by Black women in healthcare settings.
Studies reveal alarming racial disparities in maternal outcomes, with Black women facing two to three times higher mortality rates than their white counterparts. Complaints from Black women include healthcare providers not listening to their symptoms, dismissing concerns, and perpetuating stereotypes. Analyses of physician-patient conversations indicate that doctors dominate discussions with Black patients, express skepticism about reported symptoms, and are less likely to ask questions compared to interactions with white patients.
The impact of bias extends beyond verbal interactions, affecting medical decisions. Black women report pressure to undergo interventions such as cesarean sections and epidurals against their wishes. Studies also show racial disparities in drug testing during labor, where Black women are more likely to be tested, despite lower rates of positive results.
The tragic case of Shalon Irving, a public health expert who died from complications after being turned away from medical care multiple times, underscores the fatal consequences of dismissing Black women’s concerns. The belief that Black patients may be less likely to adhere to medical advice or follow through with prescribed treatments further exacerbates the problem.
Experts emphasize that bias is often unconscious, stemming from internalized cultural stereotypes. Even well-intentioned healthcare professionals may inadvertently perpetuate bias, affecting medical care and bedside manner. Efforts to address this issue include anti-bias training and the consideration of racial bias in case reviews for poor outcomes.
To mitigate disparities, some hospitals are implementing programs to enhance communication between patients and providers and match pregnant women of color with doulas for additional support. Legislative measures, such as a law in New York requiring hospitals to care for women in preterm labor, aim to prioritize maternal health, especially for high-risk pregnancies.
The medical community faces a pressing need to confront unconscious bias, listen to Black patients, and prioritize equitable care. The experiences of Black women should serve as a call to action for systemic changes to ensure every woman receives respectful, unbiased, and empathetic healthcare during pregnancy and beyond.
