Debate Exposes How Critical Comprehensive Maternal Healthcare Is — Especially For Black Women

During the first presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and Donald Trump on Sept. 10, there were few moments as emotionally resonant as when the subject of reproductive rights came up. Vice President Harris masterfully talked back against the attacks on women’s health, which were advanced by former president Donald Trump’s administration.

Trump would have loved to avoid the subject. But he can’t. He’s spoken proudly and often of his dismantling Roe v. Wade, and while last night he seemed to modify his position on abortion slightly by allowing exceptions in case of rape and incest, it’s a distinction without much of a difference since it’s also true that, as he himself lauded, the power is in the hands of states now. 

In other words, states have the right to control women’s bodies but women shouldn’t have the right to control their own bodies. 

Harris, on the other hand, has long been a supporter of women’s reproductive rights. And she has committed to supporting national legislation to restore the protections previously established by Roe v. Wade. Such an effort would take an extraordinary level of bipartisanship, the kind not seen in Washington in years. But at least there’s a stated goal to work toward.

We need that, along with a clear strategy for achieving the goal. But because so much damage has been done to abortion rights, lost in the discussions are the goals and strategies to achieve full maternal healthcare for Black women. The right to an abortion is critical. But there are other maternal health issues that are also critical that go ignored. And Black women are caught in those crosshairs as well.

Are Black moms subjected to unneeded surgeries?

A recent study from the National Bureau of Economic Research revealed that, among one million births across 68 hospitals in New Jersey, Black mothers were 20% more likely to undergo a Cesarean section (C-section) as compared to white mothers at the same facilities. The study found that these additional C-sections for Black patients often occurred when hospitals had no other scheduled C-sections, suggesting that racial bias and financial incentives might influence doctors’ decisions.

Dr. Janet Currie, a co-author behind the study, along with two other economists, uncovered the troubling data after they examined the medical records of over 993,000 women who gave birth between 2008 and 2017. They specifically focused on women who arrived at the hospital in labor and excluded those who had scheduled C-sections. Their analysis revealed that Black women were 25% more likely to have C-sections compared to white women overall.

Notably, among women with few risk factors and who arrived in good health, the disparity was even more pronounced, with Black women more than twice as likely to receive a C-section. “Physicians may have certain beliefs about Black women,” Dr. Currie shared in a statment, according to the New York Times. “They might not be listening to Black women as much, or be more afraid that something will go wrong.”

Black women experience greater complications from C-Sections, according to studies.

A C-section is a surgical procedure used to deliver a baby through incisions made in the mother’s abdomen and uterus. They are typically performed when a vaginal delivery would pose risks to the mother or baby, such as in cases of fetal distress, breech presentation, or multiple births. 

While the procedure is common and generally safe, it does carry risks, especially for Black women. Complications can include bladder damage, infections, heart attacks, and severe hemorrhaging, with excessive bleeding being a leading cause of maternal death. Additionally, uterine scarring from C-Sections can result in chronic pain, abnormal bleeding, and the need for future surgeries to address damaged tissue.

Sadly, studies in the U.S. reveal that Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications, such as those linked to C-Sections, chronic health conditions, and inadequate healthcare, according to Open Democracy. The outlet also found that Black mothers face greater pressure to undergo C-Sections, with rates at 35.9 percent compared to 30.7 percent for white mothers.

Some researchers propose that financial incentives might be influencing medical professionals to recommend C-sections to Black women more frequently. Value Penguin noted that a C-section can cost around $22,646, compared to $12,915 for a standard vaginal delivery in a hospital.

Fortunately, incorporating a doula into the delivery plan can significantly reduce the likelihood of needing C-sections and other high-risk procedures, ensuring better care for Black mothers. However, achieving this requires a comprehensive reproductive rights centered healthcare initiatives and legislation. It is crucial to elect a president who will address these issues swiftly and decisively.

SEE ALSO:

Black Maternal Health: Top Performing Hospitals Supporting Pregnant Women Of Color

Baby Dove Uses Art To Raise Awareness Around Black Maternal Health

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