Nature Podcast
Racism in health: the roots of the US Black maternal mortality crisis
Aug 10, 2023
Leading academics and experts discuss the racism in the US healthcare system that contributes to the Black maternal mortality crisis. They explore the historical links between slavery and gynaecology, the erasure of Black midwives, and the potential impact of overturning Roe v. Wade. The podcast also delves into the mistreatment and health disparities faced by people of color, the racial disparities in maternal care and mortality, and the need to challenge the medical system and address racial disparities in healthcare.
44:58
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Quick takeaways
- Racial disparities in maternal healthcare in the US are fueled by a lack of access to abortion clinics and obstetricians, particularly affecting black pregnant individuals.
- The history of gynecology in the US is rooted in racism, with experimental surgeries conducted on enslaved black women without anesthesia, perpetuating the belief that black people do not feel pain and impacting treatment today.
Deep dives
Impact of Abortion Restrictions on Black Pregnant People
The abortion laws in the United States have a disproportionate impact on black pregnant people. With the overturning of Roe v. Wade, black women face even greater challenges in accessing reproductive care. The statistic that only 1% of abortions are performed for health reasons is often used to dismiss the need for abortion access, but this ignores the fact that black women in particular often face significant health risks during pregnancy. The lack of access to obstetricians in many areas of Georgia further exacerbates the problem, forcing pregnant people to travel long distances for care.
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