I love the Op-Ed section of the paper. I believe we all need to write at least one letter on something we’re passionate about in our lifetime. In saying that, I applaud this reader
Re: “Olympic sprinter Tori Bowie died from complications of childbirth, autopsy report concludes” [June 13, Nation]:
It should be known by now among providers and advocates alike that women of color, particularly Black women, are more susceptible to pregnancy-related complications. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has been shown to exacerbate this unfortunate reality.
Instead of repeatedly reporting the numbers and statistics in research findings that emphasize the threat of maternal mortality and morbidity among Black women, we need to directly address the systemic barriers preventing women in marginalized communities from receiving the best possible care before, during and after their pregnancies. If we already know that long-standing inequality and deep-rooted racism within the health care system are what drive disproportionate care among Black women, then providers should take the appropriate steps to make sure that Black patients, especially mothers-to-be, are listened to.
Part of adapting to the changing cultural landscape is listening to concerns of marginalized groups, and I believe that it is essential for providers to consider one’s concerns, stressors and fears in patient care. The U.S. currently has among the highest maternal mortality rates in the world for a country so industrialized and equipped with modern technology. We must act now to stop these preventable deaths, like Tori Bowie’s, from persisting.
Nede Ovbiebo, Federal Way
