E78: Addressing Obstetrical Racism

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Healthcare disparities don't discriminate based on education or wealth—Black and brown women face mortality rates three to five times higher than their white counterparts during childbirth. This stark reality forms the foundation of our deep dive into obstetrical racism, a systemic issue embedded within our healthcare institutions that demands our urgent attention.

Cultural competency sits at the heart of addressing this crisis. Beyond simply acknowledging differences, true competency means creating environments where patients feel safe from bias, are taken seriously when reporting pain or complications, and receive equitable treatment. When care teams include representatives who share or understand patients' cultural backgrounds, trust builds naturally. This representation, coupled with strong advocacy—whether from family members or professional doulas—ensures patients maintain autonomy throughout their birthing journey.

The groundbreaking work of Dr. Davis and Dr. Scott illuminates seven observations characterizing obstetrical racism: diagnostic lapses, neglect, dismissiveness, failure to treat pain, coercion instead of consent, ceremonies of degradation, medical abuse, and racial profiling. Their SACRED Birth Theory offers a practical framework to combat these issues through Safety, Accountability, Communication, Racism acknowledgment, Empathy, and Dignity. These cost-effective principles can transform maternal care for BIPOC individuals when implemented with intention and consistency. Doulas emerge as powerful allies in this transformation, bridging communication gaps and ensuring dignified treatment while honoring the feminine wisdom that threads through all cultures' birthing traditions.

Take this information and make a change—even a small one—in your thinking and actions. Reach out to someone different from yourself and build a human connection. Through these connections, we can collectively work toward a healthcare system that truly serves all birthing people with dignity and respect.

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Show Credits

Host: Angie Rosier 
Music: Michael Hicks 
Photographer: Toni Walker
Episode Artwork: Nick Greenwood 
Producer: Gillian Rosier Frampton
Voiceover: Ryan Parker