Addressing Health Disparities in Pregnancy Care for Black Women
By Braden Hirschi
Published February 4, 2024
Dr. Dawn Owens Robinson, an experienced OB-GYN with over 23 years in the field, is shedding light on a pressing issue affecting Black women during pregnancy.
Alarming Statistics
Studies have revealed that despite socioeconomic status and education, Black women face higher mortality rates during pregnancy compared to White women. Shockingly, CDC data shows that Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy complications than their White counterparts. Additionally, the infant mortality rate among Black infants is two and a half times higher than that of White infants, with a preterm birth rate nearly one-and-a-half times higher.
Root Causes
Health care inequities and underlying health conditions contribute significantly to these alarming statistics. The mistreatment of Black women in health care settings is also a significant factor, with Dr. Robinson highlighting instances where women are dismissed and not taken seriously, leading to detrimental outcomes.
Empowering Black Moms-to-Be
Dr. Robinson urges Black expectant mothers to be proactive in selecting their care team, emphasizing the importance of researching hospitals and considering the presence of specialized facilities such as Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) and 24-hour in-house anesthesia. Additionally, she advocates for the involvement of doulas, highlighting their role in advocating for mothers and ensuring their voices are heard in medical settings.
Call to Action for Health Care Providers
Addressing the urgent need for action within the health care sector, Dr. Robinson stresses the importance of listening to patients and treating them with humanity, decency, and respect. She emphasizes the necessity of diversity in the health care workforce, advocating for increased representation of Brown and Black doctors, nurses, and midwives in positions of influence and decision-making.
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