Racism and Discrimination in Maternal Health: What Can You Do?

The American Academy of Pediatrics made a bold statement last fall about racism in the United States, and has admitted that it should be treated as a "socially transmitted disease." The disease is showing itself by way of chronic stress and is connected to many health problems. Research from 10 years ago linked racism and discrimination to low birth weight in African American populations. More and more connections are being made to widespread institutionalized racism during pregnancy and childbirth, and well-known women of color, like Serena Williams and Beyonce, are giving the problem a recognizable face. Racism is not new news, but it is starting to be taken seriously in the birth world.