Racial discrimination, mistreatment rife in US maternity care: Study

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
22 Aug 2023 22:13

A new study reveals that mistreatment in the US was especially common among Black, Hispanic, and multiracial women, along with those lacking private insurance.

A patient rests in a corridor waiting for a room at Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center in Tarzana, California on January 3, 2021. (AFP Via Getty Images)

A survey released on Tuesday revealed that one out of every five women in the US reports experiencing mistreatment, including scoldings, during pregnancy and childbirth care from healthcare professionals.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) disclosed that this mistreatment was particularly prevalent among Black, Hispanic, and multiracial women, as well as those without private insurance.

CDC Chief Medical Officer Debra Houry emphasized the need for improved support for mothers based on these findings. The survey's analysis, outlined in the CDC Vital Signs report, identified various forms of mistreatment, such as receiving no response to requests for help, lack of protection for physical privacy, threats of withholding treatment or imposition of unwanted treatment, and instances of scolding or shouting.

The report highlighted that enhancing the quality of maternity care could contribute to preventing pregnancy-related fatalities.

Some 30 percent of Black women, 29 percent of Hispanic women, and 27 percent of multiracial women reported experiencing mistreatment during maternity care, according to the survey conducted in April.

It further noted that feelings of discrimination were widespread, with age, weight, and income being the primary reported reasons, which varied based on race/ethnicity.

The study further revealed that women often hesitated to discuss concerns with their providers during maternity care due to embarrassment and fear of being understood as difficult or rushing interactions.

The type of insurance also influenced experiences, as women with no or public insurance reported more mistreatment compared to those with private insurance. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra underscored the importance of treating all mothers with respect and dignity while affirming the incompatibility of bias, stigma, and mistreatment in the healthcare system.

"Every mother deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. Maternal care is a core component of this nation's health care," Becerra said in the statement.

"Bias, stigma, and mistreatment have no place in our healthcare system."