Social Science - Philosophy HOMEWORK

Health and Society Chapter 11

Brittany Hutchinson

From a sociological standpoint, the health disparity surrounding pregnancy-related deaths can be attributed to a complex interplay of social, economic, and institutional factors. Firstly, systemic racism and discrimination within the healthcare system can lead to disparities in access to quality prenatal care, leading to higher rates of maternal mortality among Black women. Studies have shown that Black women are more likely to receive substandard care compared to white women, leading to delayed diagnoses and inadequate treatment.

Moreover, socioeconomic factors such as poverty, lack of health insurance, and limited access to healthcare facilities in predominantly Black neighborhoods contribute to the increased risk of pregnancy-related complications and maternal mortality. Additionally, the stress of experiencing racial discrimination and the effects of living in racially segregated and disadvantaged neighborhoods can negatively impact the health of Black women during pregnancy.

Furthermore, cultural factors and stereotypes within the healthcare system can affect the way Black women are treated by healthcare providers, potentially leading to dismissive attitudes and inadequate care.

In conclusion, the higher rates of pregnancy-related deaths among Black women can be attributed to a combination of systemic racism, socioeconomic disparities, and cultural factors within the healthcare system. Understanding and addressing these sociological factors is crucial in addressing the maternal health disparities experienced by Black women.

Valery Osorio Lozano Chapter 11

Serena Williams, the famous Tennis player, is one of many women that have experienced giving birth. Unfortunately, like many other Black women, her birth experience was traumatic due to discrepancies in maternal health care. Williams knew she had a history of blood clots, so during birth she attempted multiple times to ask the healthcare professionals to give her a CAT scan and a heparin drip. However, the personnel did not listen, and found out almost too late that she had a clot in her lungs and blood pooled outside her blood vessels in her abdomen. Williams had to consistently ask for better treatment and was still ignored. She stated, “being heard and appropriately treated was the difference between life or death.” That is the case for MANY Black women.

            Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy compared to white women. From the start of gynecology, Black women have been treated unfairly. Enslaved Black women were used for experimental surgeries such as cesareans. Even after slavery was abolished, Black women had to endure unnecessary hysterectomies and “eugenics programs steriliz[ing]” (Stafford) them. Also, while America was segregated, Black families were prohibited from “well-funded White hospitals” (Stafford), leaving them with under-resourced and poor medical centers. Today, Black women’s concerns are brushed aside and ignored, until it is too late. Racist beliefs such as “Black people having ‘less sensitive nerve endings, thicker skin, and stronger bones'” (Stafford) puts the lives of Black women, and all Black people, in danger. Healthcare professionals should listen to their patient’s concerns and take what they say into consideration. Black women should not have to suffer due to racial inaccuracies that lead healthcare personnel to provide mediocre care.

https://projects.apnews.com/features/2023/from-birth-to-death/black-women-maternal-mortality-rate.html

https://www.cnn.com/2018/02/20/opinions/protect-mother-pregnancy-williams-opinion/index.html

Health and Society Chapter 11

Brittany Hutchinson

From a sociological standpoint, the health disparity surrounding pregnancy-related deaths can be attributed to a complex interplay of social, economic, and institutional factors. Firstly, systemic racism and discrimination within the healthcare system can lead to disparities in access to quality prenatal care, leading to higher rates of maternal mortality among Black women. Studies have shown that Black women are more likely to receive substandard care compared to white women, leading to delayed diagnoses and inadequate treatment.

Moreover, socioeconomic factors such as poverty, lack of health insurance, and limited access to healthcare facilities in predominantly Black neighborhoods contribute to the increased risk of pregnancy-related complications and maternal mortality. Additionally, the stress of experiencing racial discrimination and the effects of living in racially segregated and disadvantaged neighborhoods can negatively impact the health of Black women during pregnancy.

Furthermore, cultural factors and stereotypes within the healthcare system can affect the way Black women are treated by healthcare providers, potentially leading to dismissive attitudes and inadequate care.

In conclusion, the higher rates of pregnancy-related deaths among Black women can be attributed to a combination of systemic racism, socioeconomic disparities, and cultural factors within the healthcare system. Understanding and addressing these sociological factors is crucial in addressing the maternal health disparities experienced by Black women.

Valery Osorio Lozano Chapter 11

Serena Williams, the famous Tennis player, is one of many women that have experienced giving birth. Unfortunately, like many other Black women, her birth experience was traumatic due to discrepancies in maternal health care. Williams knew she had a history of blood clots, so during birth she attempted multiple times to ask the healthcare professionals to give her a CAT scan and a heparin drip. However, the personnel did not listen, and found out almost too late that she had a clot in her lungs and blood pooled outside her blood vessels in her abdomen. Williams had to consistently ask for better treatment and was still ignored. She stated, “being heard and appropriately treated was the difference between life or death.” That is the case for MANY Black women.

            Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy compared to white women. From the start of gynecology, Black women have been treated unfairly. Enslaved Black women were used for experimental surgeries such as cesareans. Even after slavery was abolished, Black women had to endure unnecessary hysterectomies and “eugenics programs steriliz[ing]” (Stafford) them. Also, while America was segregated, Black families were prohibited from “well-funded White hospitals” (Stafford), leaving them with under-resourced and poor medical centers. Today, Black women’s concerns are brushed aside and ignored, until it is too late. Racist beliefs such as “Black people having ‘less sensitive nerve endings, thicker skin, and stronger bones'” (Stafford) puts the lives of Black women, and all Black people, in danger. Healthcare professionals should listen to their patient’s concerns and take what they say into consideration. Black women should not have to suffer due to racial inaccuracies that lead healthcare personnel to provide mediocre care.

https://projects.apnews.com/features/2023/from-birth-to-death/black-women-maternal-mortality-rate.html

https://www.cnn.com/2018/02/20/opinions/protect-mother-pregnancy-williams-opinion/index.html