Is this still happening? Discrimination in the NHS???
Black mothers are 4 times more likely to experience death in #pregnancy and #childbirth!
FOUR times! Not two. Not three. FOUR times… How egregious is that?
Of course, this is not new. This report simply confirms several previous #reports over several years. Growing up, I didn’t have to listen hard among Black #mothers to hear awful stories of childbirth. They were simply less likely to be taken seriously when claiming to be in #pain.
This is why I have an invested interest in levelling the playing field. Hence, my work in diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. #deib AND Rockstone Consultancy
But why are #blackwomen not empathised with when in pain?
I wonder if it has anything to do with a gaze that is socialised and conditioned to see black women in an unusual (even dehumanised) way. For instance, people have written about the ‘white gaze’ that often sees black women as the BIG BLACK MAMA. This is an old #racialised#trope that was built on black women being the #servant, #maid, #helper, #surrogate, #wet#nurse… As a result, they were often showcased as examples of strength and long-suffering (with elephant skin). “They can endure pain, abuse or any kind of difficulties,” the saying goes.
What do you think is going on? What interventions would you suggest?