Critical Term: Why are Black Mothers and Babies Dying?

WRAL Docs

26 Oct 202225:48

EducationalLearning

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TLDRThe transcript highlights the alarming disparities in maternal and infant mortality rates, particularly among Black mothers and babies in the United States. It tells the stories of women who have suffered miscarriages, childbirth complications, and the heartbreak of losing their babies. The documentary explores the systemic issues, including implicit bias in healthcare and the historical roots of racial stereotypes, contributing to these tragedies. It also showcases efforts to address the crisis through education, community-based programs, and policy changes, emphasizing the urgent need for action to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all mothers and infants.

Takeaways

😔 The emotional toll of hearing other babies cry in a hospital can be very hard for mothers who have lost their own babies.
⚠️ There is a significant disparity in maternal and infant mortality rates, with black mothers and babies facing higher risks in the U.S.
📚 Implicit bias in the healthcare industry is identified as a contributing factor to these disparities, affecting the quality of care provided.
🤰 Black women are reportedly more likely to die in childbirth at a rate four times higher than white women, even with similar educational backgrounds.
🏥 Healthcare providers are not always listening to or taking seriously the pain and concerns of black mothers, which can lead to adverse outcomes.
📉 There is a movement to address these disparities through new programs and initiatives, including training for healthcare professionals and community-based support.
👶 The U.S. has one of the worst maternal death rates among wealthy countries, and there is a strong push for change to improve these statistics.
📚 Historically, racist and incorrect teachings about black people's pain tolerance have been perpetuated in medical education, contributing to the problem.
👩‍⚕️ Doulas are playing a crucial role in supporting black mothers during pregnancy and childbirth, advocating for their needs and ensuring they are heard.
💪 Efforts are being made to train healthcare professionals to recognize and counteract their own biases, as well as to improve the care for black mothers.
🌟 There are success stories where changes in healthcare policies and practices have led to significant reductions in complications for black mothers.

Q & A

What was the emotional impact on the narrator of being placed in a room next to mothers who had delivered?
-The narrator experienced significant emotional distress, waking up every time a baby cried, feeling the urge to reach for her own baby, which was very hard for her.
What are the maternal death rates like for black mothers and babies in the United States compared to other wealthy countries?
-The U.S. has the worst maternal death rates compared to all other wealthy countries, with black mothers and babies facing a disproportionately higher risk of dying from pregnancy-related complications.
What is one of the main reasons identified for the high maternal and infant mortality rates among black mothers?
-Implicit bias in the healthcare industry is identified as one of the factors contributing to the high maternal and infant mortality rates among black mothers.
How did the healthcare system's treatment of pain in black women affect the care they received?
-The healthcare system's belief that black women have a higher pain tolerance and that their pain is not as real or severe led to their pain being ignored or not taken seriously, which negatively affected the care they received.
What role did historical figures like J Marion Sims play in shaping current healthcare practices and biases?
-J Marion Sims, considered the father of modern Gynecology, conducted experiments on enslaved black women without anesthesia or consent, which contributed to the false belief that black people experience pain differently, influencing current healthcare practices and biases.
What is the role of a doula in supporting black mothers during pregnancy and childbirth?
-Doulas serve as a support system, advocate, and coach for black mothers, helping them navigate the healthcare system, ensuring their voices are heard, and providing emotional and physical support during pregnancy and childbirth.
How did the 'Believe' program at UNC aim to address disparities in maternal healthcare?
-The 'Believe' program at UNC aimed to train students on how to check biases and listen to patients before they enter the workforce, focusing on integrating different healthcare institutions and improving patient care.
What was the impact of the CACHET program at Duke on reducing complications in pregnancy for African-American mothers?
-The CACHET program led to a 27% reduction in complications in pregnancy for African-American mothers by making adjustments to appointment scheduling, changing rescheduling policies, and assigning special care coordinators.
What legislative efforts are being made to address the maternal health crisis?
-The Omnibus act, introduced by Congresswoman Alma Adams and others on the Black Maternal Health caucus, is a series of bills aimed at addressing the maternal health crisis at a federal level.
How did the expansion of Medicaid for new moms in North Carolina impact postnatal care?
-The expansion of Medicaid for new moms in North Carolina provided coverage for up to 12 months after delivery, ensuring that mothers have access to healthcare during a critical postnatal period.
What is the significance of the personal stories shared by the women in the script?
-The personal stories shared by the women highlight the real-life experiences and challenges they faced, emphasizing the urgent need for change in the healthcare system to ensure the survival and well-being of black mothers and babies.

Outlines

00:00

😔 Maternal and Infant Mortality: A Personal and National Crisis

The first paragraph introduces the personal struggle of a mother who experienced the loss of her baby and the broader issue of maternal and infant mortality rates in the United States, particularly highlighting the disparities faced by black mothers and babies. The narrator emphasizes the emotional toll of hearing other babies cry in a hospital setting while dealing with her own loss. It also touches upon the higher death rates among black mothers and the general lack of awareness about the severity of the issue. The paragraph concludes with an introduction of the investigative documentary team and their personal motivations for exploring this crisis.

05:04

🏥 Implicit Bias and Healthcare Disparities

The second paragraph delves into the systemic issues contributing to the disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes, particularly focusing on implicit bias in the healthcare industry. It discusses the higher likelihood of black women experiencing complications or death during childbirth and the role of implicit bias in clinical care. The paragraph also addresses the historical context of racism in healthcare, the impact of structural racism, and the importance of recognizing and addressing biases in order to improve outcomes for black mothers and infants.

10:04

👩‍⚕️ Medical Training and Systemic Racism

The third paragraph examines the roots of systemic racism in medical training and practice. It discusses outdated beliefs about racial differences in pain tolerance and the influence of historical figures like J Marion Sims, whose practices and publications contributed to these misconceptions. The paragraph also highlights efforts to change these narratives, such as apologies and textbook revisions by educational companies, and the need for increased awareness and training to combat these biases.

15:07

🤰 Doulas: A Support System for Black Mothers

The fourth paragraph introduces the role of doulas in supporting black mothers through pregnancy and childbirth. It discusses the importance of doulas in providing emotional and practical support, particularly for mothers who may not trust the medical community due to historical violations and mistreatment. The paragraph outlines a specific program that provides free doula training and services to black mothers, aiming to improve maternal and infant health outcomes by giving these mothers a voice and advocating for their needs.

20:13

📊 Addressing Disparities Through Data and Policy Changes

The fifth paragraph presents various programs and initiatives aimed at addressing and reducing maternal and infant health disparities. It discusses the analysis of healthcare data to identify and rectify systemic issues, the expansion of Medicaid coverage for new moms, and the push for insurance to cover doula services. The paragraph also highlights the introduction of legislation to tackle the maternal health crisis at a federal level and the personal stories of mothers who have benefited from these programs.

25:18

💪 Advocacy for Change: Black Moms and Babies' Lives Matter

The sixth and final paragraph emphasizes the advocacy efforts for change, led by the women who have shared their stories of loss and survival. It stresses the importance of hearing these stories to effect change and ensure that black mothers and babies are heard and survive childbirth. The paragraph concludes with a message of hope and the collective desire for a future where black moms and babies live without fear.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Maternal Mortality

Maternal mortality refers to the death of a woman while pregnant or within 42 days of the end of pregnancy, from any cause related to or aggravated by the pregnancy or its management. In the video, it is highlighted as a significant issue, particularly for black mothers in the U.S., who face a higher risk compared to their white counterparts.

💡Implicit Bias

Implicit bias refers to the unconscious attitudes or stereotypes that can affect our understanding, actions, and decisions. The video discusses how implicit bias in the healthcare industry contributes to the disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes for black mothers, as they may not be taken as seriously or receive the same level of care as others.

💡Structural Racism

Structural racism is a system-level racism embedded in the normal practice and policies of society, leading to racial disparities in various areas including health. The video connects structural racism to the higher rates of maternal and infant mortality among black communities, suggesting that historical and systemic factors play a significant role in these disparities.

💡Pregnancy-Related Complications

Pregnancy-related complications are health issues that arise during pregnancy which can pose risks to the mother and/or the baby. The video emphasizes that these complications are more prevalent among black mothers and can lead to severe outcomes, including death, highlighting the urgency of addressing these issues.

💡Doula

A doula is a trained professional who provides emotional, physical, and educational support to a mother who is expecting, is experiencing labor, or has recently given birth. In the video, doulas are presented as crucial support figures for black mothers, helping to ensure their voices are heard and their needs are met during childbirth.

💡Healthcare Disparities

Healthcare disparities refer to differences in the quality of healthcare and its outcomes across different populations. The video discusses the significant disparities in maternal and infant health between black and white mothers in the U.S., emphasizing the need for systemic changes to address these inequalities.

💡Infant Mortality

Infant mortality is the death of infants before their first birthday. The video script mentions that the U.S. ranks poorly in infant mortality rates when compared to other developed countries, with a disproportionate number of black infants dying before their first birthday.

💡Prenatal Care

Prenatal care involves a range of medical and psychosocial interventions aimed at maintaining a healthy pregnancy and improving the health of both mother and baby. The video highlights the importance of prenatal care in preventing complications and improving outcomes for black mothers and their babies.

💡Medicaid Expansion

Medicaid expansion refers to the extension of government-funded health insurance to a larger population, including low-income individuals and families. In the context of the video, Medicaid expansion is mentioned as a positive step in providing healthcare coverage to new mothers for an extended period post-delivery, which can contribute to better maternal and infant health outcomes.

💡Racial Bias in Healthcare

Racial bias in healthcare is the unfair treatment of patients based on their race or ethnicity, which can manifest as differential diagnoses, treatment, or care. The video discusses how racial bias, both implicit and explicit, affects the quality of care that black mothers receive, contributing to the higher maternal and infant mortality rates in their communities.

💡Educational Bias in Medical Training

Educational bias in medical training refers to the perpetuation of stereotypes or misconceptions about different racial or ethnic groups during the education of healthcare professionals. The video script points out that such biases, like the myth that black people experience pain differently, can lead to inadequate care and contribute to health disparities.

Highlights

The emotional impact of being placed next to mothers who have delivered and hearing their babies cry can be very challenging for those who have not.

Black mothers and babies in North Carolina face significantly higher rates of pregnancy-related complications and mortality.

The U.S. has the worst maternal death rates when compared to other wealthy countries, with a daily toll of both infant and maternal deaths.

Implicit bias in the healthcare industry is identified as a contributing factor to the high mortality rates among black mothers and infants.

A large percentage of maternal and infant mortality cases involve mothers not being heard or taken seriously by medical professionals.

The documentary follows investigative reporter Kristen Severance and WRAL anchor Julian Grace as they explore the issue.

Ashley Richardson's story illustrates the frustration and trauma of experiencing multiple miscarriages and the lack of adequate medical response.

After losing her son Pharaoh, Ashley's doctors finally identified an underlying medical issue that had been previously overlooked.

The Alliance of Black Doula program aims to provide support and advocacy for black mothers during pregnancy and childbirth.

Discrimination and lack of trust in the medical community are significant barriers to addressing maternal and infant health disparities.

The 'Believe' program at UNC focuses on training students to check biases and listen to patients, potentially improving outcomes.

The CACHET program at Duke University made changes to prenatal care scheduling and policy, leading to a significant reduction in complications for African-American mothers.

North Carolina has expanded Medicaid coverage for new moms, providing insurance from delivery until 12 months afterwards.

There is a push for insurance to reimburse doula services, ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent access to this support.

The Omnibus act, introduced by Congresswoman Alma Adams, aims to address the maternal health crisis through legislative measures.

Each program and initiative is working to save communities one mom and one baby at a time, emphasizing the importance of individual impact.

Diana Hughes' story of a successful birth after a challenging pregnancy highlights the role of doulas and medical professionals in ensuring positive outcomes.

The personal stories shared in the documentary serve as a call for change, aiming to ensure that black mothers are heard and that both they and their babies survive.

Transcripts

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Related Tags

Maternal Health Infant Mortality Racial Disparities Healthcare Bias Black Mothers Systemic Racism Pregnancy Complications Healthcare Reform Doula Support North Carolina Documentary