Black women OB-GYNs preferences

Preference for Black OB-GYNs Among Black Women: Study Reveals Concerning Trends

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill sheds light on the significant concerns and preferences of Black women regarding obstetric care. Presented at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine’s meeting in National Harbor, Maryland, on Feb. 14, the study delved into the experiences and perceptions of 32 Black women aged 27 to 34.

The findings unveiled a pervasive fear among Black women regarding not being heard and the potential of dying due to pregnancy complications. Many participants expressed apprehension about their pregnancies, with one woman candidly sharing her fear of mortality, stating, “I was so scared because I’m like, I might die with this pregnancy.”

This fear is not unfounded, as data from the Center for Disease Control highlights a stark reality: the maternal mortality rate among Black women in 2021 was 2.6 times higher than that of white women. Furthermore, the study revealed that nearly 75% of Black women had encountered negative experiences with their doctors in the past, often stemming from racial biases.

These negative encounters ranged from insensitive remarks to harmful racial stereotypes. One participant recounted her doctor suggesting abortion due to her status as a single mother, while another recalled feeling racially profiled by a nurse’s repeated inquiries about government assistance.

In response to these distressing findings, the women in the study expressed a clear preference for Black OB-GYNs.

Dr. Teal recounted witnessing the palpable relief experienced by Black women when they had a Black physician, describing how they visibly relaxed and felt more comfortable and heard.

The significance of these preferences extends beyond mere comfort; it has tangible implications for healthcare outcomes. Black patients’ experiences of not being taken seriously by healthcare providers have led to adverse health outcomes on a systemic level.

Dr. Teal underscored the urgent need to increase the representation of Black OB-GYN providers, including physicians and midwives. By addressing these disparities and ensuring greater diversity in obstetric care, healthcare systems can take meaningful steps toward promoting equity and improving outcomes for Black women.

_{Repurposed article originally published in the black Enterprise}