The Medical Cost of being Black

Racism in healthcare is not a new issue; it runs deep in this country. This problem is especially evident in women’s health, particularly in maternal care, which stems from a long history of exploitation and neglect. Goode and Rothman talk about how, during slavery, Black women’s bodies were often exploited for medical experiments without their consent. This history of racial inequality in healthcare hasn’t disappeared; it’s still seen today in the way women of color, especially Black women, are treated during pregnancy and childbirth. Studies show that women of color are statistically more likely to die during childbirth, a disparity better understood when we consider that medical providers are often more likely to perceive Black patients as more aggressive or negatively. From personal experience, as a woman of color, I’ve had many positive experiences in healthcare and received decent care. However, certain events have made me wonder if the color of my skin has impacted the treatment I received. As someone who has dealt with years of chronic pain, like many others, I’ve experienced frustrating doctor appointments where it felt like my concerns weren’t taken seriously. I have had doctors dismiss my concerns, often attributing my issues solely to anxiety and suggesting that what I was feeling was likely all in my head. This kind of dismissal, particularly for someone who has dealt with chronic pain, only adds to the frustration and makes me question whether my concerns would be taken more seriously if I didn’t have the skin color I do. 



One thought on “The Medical Cost of being Black

  1. Hi!

    I agree that racial disparities in the US healthcare system are most definitely not new and that they run deep in the country’s history—especially the racial disparities among pregnant black women. Going back to the 1940s black women have had one of the highest rates of maternal mortality compared to the rates for white women. I feel like in recent times there has been a lot more exposure to racial disparities that maternal black women face in the healthcare system with the help of social media apps, activists, and healthcare workers researching the topic. I’m so happy this issue is finally getting the recognition that it has long deserved. Still, there needs to be a change in the US healthcare system so that the rates of maternal mortality among black women can decrease.

    I’m sorry about your experience with your healthcare provider. I find it so messed up because there whole point of their job is addressing the needs and concerns of their patients and for them to just push your concerns to the side is very messed up. There are so many racial disparities in healthcare that need to be addressed in our healthcare system just like your own experience.

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