| This post was offered by People’s Acupuncture
February marks Black History month! In the past few years, there has been an increasing awareness supported by research showing how black women are especially underserved in our medical system. Black women have the highest maternal mortality rates in the US. There are several contributing factors to this but historic legacies of racism play a huge part. In general, the black and brown population of this country are underserved and often ignored in the healthcare system.
Currently, I think no story highlights this more than the unfortunate and life threatening birth story of tennis champion Serena Williams. While in the hospital after the birth of her daughter, Olympia, Serena Williams had to repeatedly advocate for herself to get the life saving care she knew she needed. She was repeatedly dismissed. By the time she finally found a nurse who would listen as she pleaded for exactly the kind of scans she knew she required, Serena was in grave danger. Those scans indeed showed what Serena had been concerned about and a series of intensive medical interventions were required. Her self-advocating turned out to save her life. No one should have to do this. Serena Williams is a major celebrity at that. Her concerns should not have been overlooked. Thank you, Serena, for sharing your story and shining a light on this issue.
“Listen to the Whispers before They Become Screams:
Addressing Black Maternal Morbidity and Mortality in the United States” |
