As a Women’s Health Provider in Bedford–Stuyvesant, the health and well-being of all women are of utmost importance to me. As a black woman, healthcare provider specializing in OB/GYN, and working in Brooklyn, I understand and have experienced the challenges that black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) women face regarding healthcare – from higher rates of medical issues to maternal health and maternal mortality numbers that are shockingly high. Make no mistake; this is a public health crisis. I have a sense of personal duty to ensure that all BIPOC women have access to high-quality health care, including maternal health, prenatal care, gynecological care and women’s health and wellness in general.
This is one of the reasons why I opened Trust Women’s Healthcare. My goal is to serve as a haven for raising awareness and addressing the public health crisis of the disparities black and BIPOC women face. I want to let these women know that their concerns will be heard and addressed, not ignored or dismissed. My office welcomes all women, regardless of their background and medical history. As BIPOC women, we must do what we can to improve the overall healthcare of women.
The Black and BIPOC OB/GYN Community
The black OB/GYN and gynecology community is growing, and it’s time we started to be heard. Many health disparities affect black women, so we need to be vocal and outspoken. BIPOC’s in OB/GYN must work together as a community to solve these problems and improve reproductive and overall health for all black women. It’s time to take charge of our health and ensure we get the care we deserve.
The Importance of OB/GYN for Black Women
BIPOC women, especially black mothers, face higher gynecology-related complications and maternal mortality rates than any other group of women. BIPOC women also have higher rates of obesity, hypertension and diabetes. This vicious cycle is a symptom caused by a lack of access to quality health and OB/GYN care. These diseases and issues can lead to serious health problems for black women, including infertility, maternal mortality, miscarriage, and cardiovascular disease. Creating awareness about the importance of OB/GYN and gynecology health and receiving care from a Women’s Health Provider ensures that all women have equal access. So, don’t be afraid to get involved and speak up about the unique role that we play in women’s health! Together, we can make a difference in the health of black women – and women of all backgrounds – and ensure that everyone can reach their full potential. Please schedule an appointment today with my office, which is convenient to much of New York City, and let’s work together to take control of our health.
It’s high time black women and healthcare providers specializing in OB/GYN be heard. Our reproductive health issues are different from those of other groups, which can lead to missed or delayed diagnoses. This creates gaps both in research and treatment for black women. As black providers in OB/GYN, it’s our responsibility to advocate on behalf of our patients. We must break down the existing barriers and help make reproductive health care more accessible for everyone, whether via private insurance, Medicare, or the benefit of Medicaid services. It’s time for the tide to turn, and it starts with getting in front of potential long-term issues by obtaining quality care from a provider in OB/GYN who understands your needs.
Stark Racial Disparities in Risk Factors and Outcomes
There are stark racial disparities in risk factors and outcomes for reproductive health, regardless of socioeconomic status, impacting both high and low-income women. The most significant inequality relates to maternal health complications, including preterm birth and low birth weight, which are higher among black women. Additionally, rates of chronic conditions, hypertension (high blood pressure), eclampsia, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) c-section delivery, postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), blood clots, mental health, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are also higher among black and BIPOC women than white women. There is no single root cause for the disparities in reproductive health between black and white women; this public health crisis must be addressed.
BIPOC women have maternal health issues that are unique and exacerbated by racism, social factors, and sexism in America. Statistics show that black women experience maternal hypertension and preeclampsia at an increasing rate, significantly higher than white women, and are more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications or childbirth, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). OB/GYN care is critical for all pregnant women and black mothers in America. It’s time we shine a light on social determinants of health – it will help us attain health equity for women’s health, maternal health, and maternal care regardless of ethnicity.
The Challenges of Being a Black Healthcare Provider in OB/GYN
Black and BIPOC women are often under-represented in medical fields, leading to challenges when seeking care from OB/GYN services. As both a black woman and a healthcare provider, I have seen and experienced the lack of traditional and institutional support. I understand that this makes finding a practice that meets your needs harder.
It is no secret that health disparities disproportionately impact black and BIPOC women in America. This is due to a combination of factors, such as socioeconomic status and race. Our health is jeopardized by a lack of high-quality health access, specific education, and an unwillingness to address disparities. This is why it’s so important that we speak up and be heard. As BIPOC women, it’s our responsibility to find the proper medical care where we feel comfortable asking doctors any questions about pregnancy or overall OB/GYN health. By doing so, we can create change and improve our health outcomes. It’s also important to share this information with our friends and family members to develop a community of support and ensure that we care for ourselves. As a black provider specializing in OB/GYN, I foster an open space for women to feel represented and heard, a mission I have undertaken to help address the public health emergency facing black and BIPOC women.
Maternal Mortality in the U.S.: A Human Rights Crisis
Despite all of the advancements in medicine, pregnancy-related deaths continue to be high for the BIPOC community, including African American women in the United States. In fact, according to the CDC, black women are three times more likely to experience maternal morbidity from a pregnancy-related cause than white women and eight times here in New York City. This is both an epidemic of public health and a human rights crisis. We got to this point from a lack of representation and inequity in access to quality healthcare, especially reproductive healthcare, which is one of the essential healthcare needs for women. As a result, black women are disproportionately affected and experience these significantly higher maternal mortality rates. This is a problem that needs to be urgently addressed by the OB/GYN community and other health care advocates. We need to start working with civil rights organizations and get involved in the fight for better access to healthcare for BIPOC, low-income, and other underserved communities. Reproductive justice and patient safety are basic human services that should be accessible and available to everyone, regardless of race or gender. We will not be able to reach our full potential as a society until we achieve health equity.
Where Wellness & Culture Connect
For generations, black women have been dealing with disparate health, racism, social determinants, and implicit bias. As health care becomes more and more accessible, the need for OB/GYN and gynecology services only grows. OB/GYN is one of the most important fields for black women, and we need more. We should be demanding higher standards from our healthcare providers and looking for ways to improve wellness in general. It’s time we start talking about these issues and working together to make change happen from your first OB/GYN visit through pregnancy, postpartum care, and beyond!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you think Black Providers in OB/GYNs must be aware of their cultural identity to provide better patient service?
A few common myths about black women and OB/GYN care need to be addressed. One myth is that black women cannot get pregnant or deliver babies at the same rates as white women. In fact, according to the National Survey of Family Growth, released in 2016, rates of pregnant people aged 15-44 who identified as black were almost identical to rates of pregnant women of other races/ethnicities. Another myth is related to ethnic disparities: BIPOC women don’t need OB/GYN care as much as white women. This one is, unfortunately, based on historic structural racism and discrimination against black people – which has resulted in disparities in healthcare care for BIPOC women across the board. Data from the CDC back this. A third myth is that black women cannot get good health care from an OB/GYN due to historical racism and discrimination against them. However, this is not true. There are plenty of successful healthcare providers in OB/GYN who provide excellent patient care and experience.
What are some common myths about black women and OB/GYN care?
There are several unique risks that Black women face when it comes to pregnancy and childbirth. If you’re pregnant and considering having your baby by an OB/GYN who is not African-American, it’s essential to discuss these risks with them. For example, some Black women’s risks include higher preterm birth rates, pregnancy-related deaths, low birth weight babies, severe maternal morbidity, higher rates of preeclampsia, and more. So, it’s essential to be aware of these higher risks before deciding on the proper OB/GYN care.
Are there any unique risks associated with having a baby by an OB/GYN who is not African-American?
It’s time that the black OB/GYN community be heard! With the CDC continuing to produce studies demonstrating maternal mortality rates being higher for black women than for any other racial group in the United States, it is time that we unite and speak up on our behalf. As an Women’s Health Provider specializing in OB/GYN, I know the importance of maternal health and its impact on women, so I have made it my responsibility to help raise awareness of the women’s health disparities BIPOC women face and continue to work towards solving these issues. Let’s continue the conversation about the problems BIPOC women face, along with helping improve maternal health outcomes, maternal mortality, and the overall health and wellness. I encourage you to follow Trust Women’s Healthcare on social media (Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok) and, more importantly, schedule an appointment and continue to address the issues facing BIPOC women’s health.
Conclusion
It’s time that the black OB/GYN community be heard! With the CDC continuing to produce studies demonstrating maternal mortality rates being higher for black women than for any other racial group in the United States, it is time that we unite and speak up on our behalf. As an Women’s Health Provider specializing in OB/GYN, I know the importance of maternal health and its impact on women, so I have made it my responsibility to help raise awareness of the women’s health disparities BIPOC women face and continue to work towards solving these issues. Let’s continue the conversation about the problems BIPOC women face, along with helping improve maternal health outcomes, maternal mortality, and the overall health and wellness. I encourage you to follow Trust Women’s Healthcare on social media (Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok) and, more importantly, schedule an appointment and continue to address the issues facing BIPOC women’s health.