The effect of implicit bias in black maternal mortality rate

JENNIFER JOHN BRITTO – The American Medical Association highlighted that the rising Black maternal mortality rate in America is a significant issue due to its stagnancy, despite other countries’ progress towards lowering it. Healthcare bias, which refers to the influence of stereotypes and prejudice on the treatment provided, plays a major role in the high Black maternal mortality rate present in America. Because it is an implicit form of discrimination, it frequently occurs unknowingly. It is harder to identify than explicit racism, and therefore requires more conscious efforts to keep it in check. Structural racism— the framework that nonverbally establishes the white cis male as the societal norm— is often credited as the underlying cause of healthcare bias. It reinforces the stereotypes surrounding certain minority groups, which in turn alters the behaviors of healthcare providers towards the populations in question. 

Regarding the high Black maternal mortality rate in particular, it is essential to recognize that this is an issue requiring an intersectional approach; this issue does not center on all women, but rather focuses on an issue disproportionately faced by Black women. As a result, the assumptions that physicians place on women and on Black Americans intertwine and transform into the unique experiences of Black women, which makes it much harder for them to receive proper treatment. A study in the Journal of The Royal Society of Medicine found that many clinical studies exclude women, highlighting a clear gender bias within healthcare. This is a major issue, especially when considering that with many drugs, women are affected more when given the same dosage as men due to their  typically lower body weight. Furthermore, according to a study published by the Journal of Internal Medicine, a common misconception is that Black people have biological differences that cause physicians to perceive the pain of Black patients as being lower than in reality. Misconceptions such as these are likely to result in incorrect diagnosis, causing low patient satisfaction and an increase in the mistrust of the healthcare system. However, attempts have been made to improve the situation, and it starts off with educating healthcare providers. The Journal of Women’s Health published a study identifying potential solutions for healthcare bias, one of which includes educational programs for physicians about recognizing stereotyping. 

Copy Editor: Alina Baiju

Photography Source: healthline.com/health/parenting/black-moms-need-to-matter-more