Giving birth is a monumental event in any woman’s life, filled with anticipation and joy. However, for women of color in Atlanta, this journey can be particularly complex, marked by unique challenges and triumphs. Atlanta, known for its vibrant Black community, offers both support and obstacles for Black mothers-to-be. We’re going to discuss the experiences of giving birth in Atlanta as a Black woman, highlighting the resources available, the systemic issues faced, and the stories of resilience and strength that define this journey, in this two part series.
Atlanta has long been a hub for African American culture, history, and activism. From the civil rights movement to present-day advocacy, the city has been a spotlight of progress and empowerment for people in the black community. However, systemic racism and disparities in healthcare continue to plague Black women disproportionately, especially in maternal healthcare.
Black women in the United States are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women. This statistic is reflective of deep-rooted systemic issues, including implicit bias in healthcare, socioeconomic factors, and access to quality care. Many Black women report feeling dismissed or unheard gaslit, by healthcare providers. Apparent bias can lead to misdiagnoses, inadequate treatment, and overall poor healthcare experiences. In a city as diverse as Atlanta, these biases are still persistent and can impact the overall birthing experience. Our pledge is alleviate some of the disparities women of color face when giving birth. While our city has some of the top notch medical facilities in the country, not all Black women have equal access to these resources. Economic disparities and healthcare coverage gaps can limit access to maternity care. One way we chip away at this systemic issue is by connecting women to a stable support system to include organizations, doulas, midwives, and other local resources. Next week we’ll dive deeper into the support system women of color can tap into to, hopefully, have a positive outcome when bringing their baby into the world!
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