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for #SexualRightsDay Thanks for the heads-up @eveappeal Such an important read #SRHR #BAME https://twitter.com/eveappeal/status/1284598962301919233
for #SexualRightsDay Thanks for the heads-up @eveappeal Such an important read #SRHR #BAME https://twitter.com/eveappeal/status/1284598962301919233
Dr Annabel Sowemimo @SoSowemimo writes that a 2019 report into maternal-morbidity in the UK (from Oxford University) found that "black women are five times more likely to die in pregnancy, childbirth or in the postpartum period, compared to their white counterparts"
And that Asian women were disproportionately affected too, being "twice as likely to die compared to white women." These data show an increase from previous years
Dr Annabel writes that medical professionals have for a long time assumed the death rate is due to "pre-existing conditions amongst black women" e.g. high blood pressure. But recent research "points to a more complex picture"
"For years black motherhood has been presented in an unfavourable light, both in popular culture and academic circles". These stereotypes are deeply embedded within societies in the UK and US. They persist, and have done for decades
Dr Annabel reports on black women who feel they are being 'dismissed' by healthcare practitioners, or seen as 'complainers'. But these stereotypical views, and resultant discriminatory treatment, cross the sexual and reproductive health arena
"The problem isn’t exclusive to women’s experience of childbirth either: the RCOG has highlighted racial disparities within gynaecology services, including the late diagnosis of gynecological cancers and lower uptake of cervical screening amongst black women"
One thing is for sure, racial inequalities in healthcare do exist. And practitioners who are not culturally competent risk the lives of black women. We can do better, much better
