The Silent Pandemic: Deadly Bias in Maternal Health Care

From the surface, it seems like everyone is battling racism, but how deep does this commitment actually go? For many, it appears to be an issue that happens "over there" — somewhere else, someone else's problem. It's easy to recognize and condemn racism when it's miles away. However, when it comes to confronting our own inherent biases and prejudices, the story often changes.

The Boston Globe recently underscored this inconvenient truth, revealing a stark rise in severe maternal complications in Massachusetts. In less time than it took me to complete my medical training, the rates have horrifyingly doubled, with Black women suffering a disproportionately higher burden. Their death rates have jumped from 55.3 to 69.9 per 100,000 live births, 2.6 times more than white women.

These statistics aren't just numbers. They are an indictment of our healthcare system, a reflection of the prejudices that exist right here in our offices, clinics, and hospitals. It's the unspoken bias that allows unequal treatment to persist and the absence of representation that exacerbates disparities. With the fall of Roe and affirmative action, if nothing is done, these statistics will only get worse.

These unjust systems aren't just harming Black women but also those with disabilities. Complication rates among people with disabilities are alarmingly high, with 131.6 instances of severe maternal morbidity among people with intellectual disabilities per 10,000 deliveries. How much longer will we ignore these horrifying realities?

Black women, particularly those aged 40 and older, bear the brunt of these biases. With a complication rate of 238.6 per 10,000 deliveries, their experiences echo the unending agony of being judged, dismissed, and devalued. It's a relentless pain, both physical and emotional, which is a byproduct of navigating spaces that were never designed to accommodate them fully.

The interventions being deployed, while necessary, aren't enough. The Massachusetts Department of Health is implementing several measures, including remote blood pressure monitoring and improved mental health and housing support. Still, none of these actions directly target the root cause: systemic racism. It's akin to battling an infection without antibiotics. We can provide endless supportive care, but until we treat the underlying condition, progress will be elusive.

Let me be blunt. To combat racism, we must do more than enact policies and protocols; we need to wage a war against our biases. We must scrutinize our attitudes, confront our subconscious beliefs, and undertake rigorous self-reflection. Yes, this journey requires discomfort and humility, but it is the price of growth and empathy.

It is high time we faced the uncomfortable truth. The racial biases that exacerbate maternal complications and numerous other health disparities aren't coming from some external nebulous source. They are right here, within those of us practicing care for our communities. Are we ready to confront them, to actively work to dismantle these insidious attitudes?

The challenge is daunting, and the journey is long. However, it is the only path towards authentic change. Racism isn't an anomaly that occurs "over there." It is here, it is pervasive, and it is our responsibility to combat. Will you rise to the challenge?

This is not just a fight for justice; it's a call to transform our healthcare system fundamentally. Ignorance is the ally of systemic racism. By equipping ourselves with knowledge, we are empowered to confront our own biases and create meaningful changes in our immediate environments.

Take action by sharing this post, raising awareness about healthcare's racial bias. Initiate and partake in discussions that challenge the norm, fostering self-reflection and growth. These conversations are crucial for understanding and changing our prejudices.

It's essential we create a community where dialogue on healthcare's racial disparities is not just encouraged but expected. Through education, empathy, and understanding, we can learn to appreciate experiences different from our own.

Furthermore, support organizations actively addressing these issues. Your contribution—whether a donation, volunteer work, or partnership—can make a significant impact in combating systemic racism. Every action counts.

Dr. Yamicia Connor is an experienced OB/GYN with a heart for change. She uses her medical know-how and passion for justice to fight for every woman's right to good health. Join Dr. Connor in building a world where healthcare is fair, inclusive, and within everyone's reach at https://diosara.com