Wow. I’m a little late, but I just happened on an article in the New York Times called “Why America’s Black Mothers and Babies are in a Life-or-Death Crisis“, and it is a MUST READ. We have to thank Linda Villarosa for sharing such a poignant and eye-opening piece with the world.
The prevalence of racial and cultural disparities in health care in the US is not new news. It is the disheartening reality of a society founded on the backs of slaves; a society that claims to be “post-racial” while simultaneously allowing our children to be slaughtered by the very people who are enlisted to protect us; a society that rebukes women for standing up for themselves against flagrant injustices. If people are angry, they have every reason to be.
But reading this article really brings tears of frustration to my eyes. It’s truly heart-wrenching to know that even in health care of all fields– an industry that is supposed to look out for the well-being of people– people of color are consistently denied the same standards of care as whites. This should not be the case in health care, nor should it be the case in women’s reproductive care.
I work in health care and am continuing to further my career in the field, but there are so many times when I feel jaded and doubtful of my decisions. Is it possible to truly make a difference when so many factors work against progress? But when I read or hear about these infuriating stories, I am reminded again of why I want to pursue a career in health care in the first place. Because as small as I am in this world, at least I can try to do things differently.
It is NOT okay to selectively offer medical treatments to a patient based on race. And it is NOT okay to ignore the individual needs of any expectant mother, no matter her race.
We can do better than that. We must do better than that.
The beauty of maternal care is that a part of the process involves bringing life into this world. But what mother would feel assured and confident in bringing her baby into a world that cannot even offer her the basic right to equality in health care? A world that so begrudgingly cares for her and the wellbeing of her child? I would be terrified, but there are so many women of color who stand in the face of it all, and go on to raise beautiful, brilliant and powerful children.
That is true strength, and that speaks to me.
What Speaks to Me 