Has Tori Bowie's death triggered a worldwide movement?
Black women are 3-4 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related issues. Re-read that statement. You’ve read it correctly.
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It’s shocking, but it shouldn’t be.
We’ve known for a long time that there is, and has been, a crisis in regards to black mortality rates, in every aspect of healthcare. Whichever area of health we consider, maternal health, cardiovascular disease etc., the statistics speak for themselves; mortality rates are disproportionate to white counterparts.
We mourn for the loss of Tori Bowie, the Olympic gold medalist who recently passed away during childbirth at 8 months pregnant. It shouldn’t take a public figure for the world to listen, but we can use this opportunity to educate others, spread awareness and listen.
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This is not solely an issue in the United States, but globally – in 2021, it was revealed in the UK that black mothers are x4 more likely to die than white mothers during the pregnancy, childbirth or post-partum period.
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Many blame these disparities on income or socioeconomic status, but this cannot explain everything. Is there a more deeply-rooted cause?
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We need to challenge discrimination, specifically the issue of clinical discrimination, alongside discrimination within areas such as education, which compound the disadvantage, prejudice and stereotypes. Barriers such as these combine to result in black women receiving insufficient prenatal care and, at times, underlying chronic conditions, that are not recognized and treated.
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National Bureau of Economic Research reported?the wealthiest Black woman in California is at higher risk of maternal mortality than the least wealthy White woman.
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According to the CDC approximately 80% of maternal deaths are preventable. Now consider that a maternal death occurred almost every 2 minutes in 2020.
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Pregnancy is not a “one-size fits all”…
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So, what can you do?
If you’re interested in conducting your own research, or learning more, check out the companies in the FemTech & Women’s Health space who are looking to close this gap…
If you know of any more companies in this space, spreading awareness, please comment below…
Clinical Application and Research Specialist, Ultrasound
1 年Bravo
Founder at RQ Consult | Champion of Inclusive Workplaces | Certified Facilitator & Menopause Support Advocate | Best Selling Author of 'Not Too Small for Inclusion" | Empowering Businesses with Practical DEI Solutions
1 年Thank you for sharing this. ??
We'd be interested in adding our CercaTest Pre-eclampsia Vue POC test to this movement to improve pregnancy outcomes with innovative and low cost diagnostics.
Neurogenomics, Life Science Insights, Pharmacoeconomics, Valuations
1 年Lauren Pope that statistic is so wildly racist and striking... FemTech, as a field, offers hope of building an ecosystem devoid of such blatant yet perniciously deplorable disparities.
LGBTQ+ Black Neurodiverse Woman | DEI Consultant | Coach | Speaker | Health Equity & Intersectionality Expert | Empowering Inclusive Workplaces
1 年Thank you for the article and continuing to increase awareness.