Inequity in Health Care

Thin Yadnar, tmy24@uakron.edu

The treatment of African American women in health care has increasingly progressed through the last century, however, despite these many improvements, the health disparity continues to persist and noticeably bring attention to the lack of equity. The impact of racial and gender discrimination proves to be heavily disproportionate when compared to white women. This is demonstrated the most when looking into maternal mortality rates. Black women are three to four times more likely to experience a pregnancy related death than white women. Additionally, black women are more likely to go through complications through their pregnancy such as fibroid, preeclampsia, or physical weather that forces their bodies to age faster from the chronic stress of socioeconomic disadvantage. The lower quality in health care also limits the reproductive health system that can properly meet their needs. Abortion, counseling, contraceptive care, and delayed care all are factors that prevent them from properly planning ahead and given the same opportunities as other races. Ways that can improve Black women’s equity and maternal health care are communities and healthcare professionals that take initiative to expand the medicaid coverage that can help black women all over America. Better access to healthcare and reducing financial instability will decrease some of the stress that comes with being a mother or even a woman. It is significant that the need for respect, cultural sensitivity, and safety is put to the highest priority.