Rachel Hardeman

Rachel Hardeman, a leader in health equity and anti-racism research, and Melissa Simon, an OB-GYN specializing in women's health, delve into the precarious impact of recent bans on diversity, equity, and inclusion in medical research. They discuss how these restrictions threaten essential studies, particularly in women's and reproductive health. The irony of cutting fertility care while worrying about birth rates is examined, along with concerns over potential censorship in medical research language and the urgent need to maintain diversity for equitable health outcomes.

Rachel Hardeman, a reproductive health equity researcher and professor at the University of Minnesota, unveils startling statistics on Black infant mortality rates in the U.S. She reveals how the race of a doctor can significantly influence survival outcomes for Black newborns. The conversation delves into systemic racism's effects on healthcare access and quality, the urgency of increasing the representation of Black physicians, and the innovative changes necessary in medical education to improve health equity.