What Sarah Baartman's Life Can Teach Us
4 Tips to Fight Against Medical Racism
Long before Kim Kardashian's derrière "broke the internet," Sarah Baartman's derrière was a symbol of unspeakable exploitation. If you've never heard of Sarah, then let me provide a quick history lesson. Sarah was an enslaved Khoikhoi woman from South Africa who was taken to Europe, where her barely clothed body was paraded in front of paying audiences. While Kim monetized her posterior, Sarah's enslavers ruthlessly profited off hers. Tragically, even after her passing, her remains were shamefully used to perpetuate racist theories surrounding people of African ancestry.
These stark juxtapositions illuminate the deep-seated inequities that persist in our world and, especially, in Black women's experiences in healthcare. Racist theories, such as eugenics, impacted public health during that period and have shaped healthcare today. Further, these racist theories have contributed to medical racism, which refers to prejudice and discrimination within our healthcare system based on a person's perceived race. Due to medical racism, healthcare providers may be unaware that negative perceptions they hold about certain marginalized groups may impact the quality of care they're providing to their clients.
As we journey through history and modern healthcare to address the critical issue of medical racism, we must delve into the unique challenges faced by Black women in our healthcare system. From maternal mortality to pain management, Black women face a unique set of challenges that intersect race, gender, and socioeconomic factors.
For instance, as we know, compared to white women, Black women are twice as likely to die from pregnancy-related complications.
Due to implicit bias, Black women may experience challenges in quality healthcare delivery, which include dismissive attitudes, delayed diagnoses, and subpar treatment.
Most concerning is that Black patients, particularly women, receive adequate pain relief less often than their white counterparts.
Despite the challenges, we know that through knowledge and action, we can pave the way for equitable healthcare for all. It's our collective responsibility to dismantle these barriers. Now that we've shed light on the grim realities, it's time to roll up our sleeves and enact change. Here are some actionable steps we can take:
1. Education and Training
Incorporate cultural competence and anti-racism training into healthcare curricula. This will equip future healthcare providers with the tools to deliver equitable care.
2. Advocate for Policy Change
Support and promote policies that reduce healthcare disparities, particularly those affecting Black women. This could include advocating for improved access to quality prenatal care and addressing biases in medical research.
3. Amplify Black Voices
Listen to the experiences and insights of Black clients. This not only empowers individuals but also provides invaluable feedback for improving healthcare practices.
4. Diversify the Workforce
Encourage and support initiatives that increase diversity among healthcare providers. More diversity in the workforce can lead to greater cultural competency and reduced biases.
We must acknowledge the painful legacy of medical racism. It's our duty as healthcare providers to dismantle these systemic barriers and pave the way for equitable healthcare. By educating ourselves, advocating for change, amplifying marginalized voices, and diversifying our workforce, we can forge a brighter, more inclusive future for all. Together, let's be the change-makers our healthcare system desperately needs.
Are you interested in delving deeper into this crucial topic? Book me for future engagements, and let's continue this vital conversation.